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24th June 2019
01:34pm BST
Sky News has cancelled a UK Conservative Party leadership debate, originally scheduled to take place this Tuesday 25 June, due to Boris Johnson declining to participate.
Johnson, currently the front-runner for role of Prime Minister, was set to face off against rival Jeremy Hunt.
On Monday morning, Sky News confirmed that Johnson had declined their invitation.
"We stand ready to host a debate tomorrow evening if both candidates make themselves available," said a Sky spokesperson.
"Without both candidates, tomorrow's debate will not take place.
"But we will reissue our invitation for Mr Hunt and Mr Johnson to debate live on Sky News next Monday, July 1."
Johnson has come under increased pressure in recent days following reports of a loud domestic altercation that took place at the residence that he shares with girlfriend Carrie Symonds.
Police were called to the flat after neighbours reported hearing "screaming, shouting and banging" in the early hours of Friday morning.
In a piece for the UK Times published on Monday, Hunt labelled his opponent a "coward", positing that Johnson needs to respond to questions about his plans as Prime Minister.
"Don't be a coward Boris, man up and show the nation you can cope with the intense scrutiny the most difficult job in the country will involve," Hunt said.
Johnson has yet to comment regarding the debate's postponement.
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