Live Conservative Leadership Debate Suddenly Taken Off Air As Presenter Collapses

Tonight's Conservative leadership debate was suddenly taken off air following a 'medical issue' in the studio.

Liz Truss was going head to head once again with Conservative Party rival Rishi Sunak on TalkTV this evening (26 July), when the broadcast was cut short.

In footage shared on social media, Truss can be seen explaining a point to host Kate McCann when a crashing sound is heard in the background.

Truss, clearly shocked, then screamed: "Oh my God!" and walked around the set to see what had happened.

The debate was immediately called to a halt, with a message appearing on the screen, which read: "We are sorry for the disruption to this programme.

"We are working hard to fix the issue and will return to normal programming soon."

A spokesperson for News UK said: "There's been a medical issue, it's not a security issue and the candidates are okay."

The production company added that 'if we can get back on air we will'.

TalkTV later confirmed that it was McCann who fainted during the debate, but assured people that she was okay.

However, she has been advised not to continue with the show.

The channel said: "Kate McCann fainted on air tonight and although she is fine, the medical advice was that we shouldn't continue with the debate. We apologise to our viewers and listeners."

Ian Collins took over following the break in the debate, and told viewers that 'everyone is ok'.

Fellow TalkTV host James Whale wrote on Twitter: "Sadly Kate McCann the host has fainted, we will let you know more later."

Truss and Sunak are the final two candidates in the race to become the next leader of the Conservative Party and the country following Boris Johnson's decision to step down.

The 58-year-old was forced to resign after weeks and months of scandal and controversy.

The latest revelation centred on the fact that Johnson was in fact aware of allegations of impropriety made against Conservative MP Chris Pincher back in 2019. 

Pincher, who Johnson promoted to the role of deputy chief whip earlier this year, resigned last week after he was accused of groping two men at a club in London last week.

On 4 July, it emerged that he had previously been investigated over similar conduct.

At first, Johnson denied knowing about the claims. However, a spokesperson later confirmed that Johnson had been briefed about the complaint three years ago.