Jeremy Corbyn calls out Theresa May over BBC TV debate... but forgets to mention he'll be taking part

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Jeremy Corbyn sprang a surprise today by announcing he will take part in a live BBC televised election debate tonight.

He threw down the gauntlet to Theresa May to follow him when seven party leaders take to the stage: “There’s a debate in Cambridge tonight. I invite her to go to Cambridge to debate her record... and let the public make up their mind.”

During his speech in Reading he appeared to forget to mention he would be attending — however, during applause at the end, he added: “I’m going to Cambridge to get ready for the debate.”

Labour sources confirmed his attendance.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will take part in BBC general election leaders' debate
Peter Nicholls/Reuters

It leaves Mrs May the only major party leader refusing to take part in the clash on BBC1, which starts at 7.30pm.

Mr Corbyn will join Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, UKIP's Paul Nuttall, SNP deputy leader Angus Robertson, Green co-leader Caroline Lucas and Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood for the debate.

The PM has refused to take part in any TV debates and Home Secretary Amber Rudd will be representing the Conservatives instead.

The Labour leader had previously ruled out attending if Mrs May refused to take part.

He said: "It's very odd that we have an election campaign where we go out and talk to people all the time and the Prime Minister seems to have difficulties in meeting anyone or having a debate.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd will fill in for Theresa May in the BBC debate
Getty Images

"There is a debate in Cambridge tonight. I don't know what she is doing this evening, but it's not far from London.

"I invite her to go to Cambridge and debate her policies, debate their record, debate their plans, debate their proposals and let the public make up their mind."

Mr Corbyn had hinted he would take part in the debate when he was speaking at a campaign event in Westminster on Wednesday morning.

People watch as Mr Corbyn speaks at a campaign event in Reading
REUTERS

He said: "As for the debate, I simply say this, there is something very odd about going down to Sky the other night, me being brought in front of the audience - very happy to do so - and answer questions from the audience, sat in front of Jeremy Paxman, an utter pleasure it was too to be having a chat with Jeremy Paxman for a while, there is no finer way to spend a Monday evening.

"And then the Prime Minister is hiding away in a room upstairs to come down and do exactly the same, how ridiculous is that?

"Come on Prime Minister, come and have a chat."

General Election 2017 Campaign - In pictures

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Answering questions during a visit to a factory in Bath, Mrs May denied she was "frightened" of taking on her rivals head-to-head.

She said: "I've been very clear from the start that the sort of campaign I want to do is about meeting people and taking questions.

"I've not been off the television screens, I've been doing things on the television, but predominantly taking questions from voters and listening to voters.

"I think debates where the politicians are squabbling amongst themselves doesn't do anything for the process of electioneering.

"I think it's actually about getting out and about, meeting voters and hearing directly from voters."

Broadcaster Mishal Husain will moderate the debate which will be shown on BBC One from 7.30pm until 9pm.

Each panellist will make an opening statement before taking questions from the audience.

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