JAKARTA - The argument over the work program of the two candidates for the British Prime Minister to replace Boris Johnson ended in an anti-climax, when the debate host suddenly fainted and the live broadcast was stopped.
Former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Minister Liz Truss were arguing about their respective programs for about 30 minutes, when suddenly there was a loud noise in the studio.
It happened while the camera was on Truss during a debate hosted by Talk TV and the Sun newspaper. Truss held her hand to her face and said, "Oh my God", and the broadcast was then cut off. Talk TV said the presenter, Kate McCann, had passed out.
"Although he is fine, the medical advice is that we should not continue the debate. We apologize to our viewers and listeners," Talk TV said on Twitter.
Both Truss and Sunak later sent messages on Twitter wishing McCann well.
"So relieved to hear @KateEMcCann is okay. So sorry that a good debate has to end," Truss wrote.
Relieved to hear @KateEMcCann is fine. Really sorry that such a good debate had to end. Look forward to catching up with Kate and the rest of the @TheSun @TalkTV team again soon. https://t.co/pvcl12G73X
— Liz for Leader (@trussliz) July 26, 2022
Sunak also tweeted to wish McCann well.
"Good news that you are recovering, Kate McCann. It was a great debate and I hope to be served by you again soon," wrote Sunak, quoting The National News.
Good news that you're already recovering @KateEMcCann.It was a great debate and I look forward to getting grilled by you again shortly! https://t.co/ptogMJ3pt5
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 26, 2022
As for TalkTV on Twitter, "even though he's fine, the medical advice is that we shouldn't continue the debate".
"We apologize to our viewers and listeners."
Before the premature end, Truss and Sunak are once again at odds over their tax and spending plans and what they will do to address the cost of living crisis, in what has become an increasingly hostile race for prime minister.
Truss said Sunak's emphasis on balancing the government's books and raising taxes on businesses would steer the economy into recession.
"I think it's morally wrong at this point when families are struggling to pay for their food, that we've taxed ordinary people when we said we weren't going to do it in our manifesto and when we didn't have to," Trus said.
As for Sunak, whose resignation from the government earlier this month sparked Johnson's downfall, he argued that the money from the tax hikes he brought was needed to pay for additional spending on health care.
"I think what is morally wrong is asking our children and grandchildren to pay bills that we are not ready to meet," said Sunak.
It is known that Tuesday's debate is the second head-to-head battle between the two contenders.
A YouGov poll of members of the Conservative Party, which will ultimately decide the next leader, found 50 percent thought Truss did best in Monday's first clash, with 39 percent in favor of Sunak.
The winner of the election, which will be determined by a vote of fewer than 200,000 Conservatives, will be announced on September 5.
What on earth happened then? Hope everyone is ok! #TalkTV #TheSun pic.twitter.com/M9RvqVyCr3
— Harry Rutter (@harryjohnrutter) July 26, 2022
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