Michael Grade Says Empty Chairing PM "Crosses A Line"

19 April 2017, 18:06

The former chairman of the BBC and executive director of ITV strongly opposes the idea of ‘empty chairing’ Theresa May.

The Conservatives say May will not take part in a party leaders debate. It’s been suggested she should be ‘empty chaired’ as a result.

Lord Grade told Iain Dale such a move “crosses a line”.

“I think it would be completely unacceptable, irrespective of which party was in power.

“It would be a hugely arrogant mistake to empty chair a Prime Minister. You empty chair villains who refuse to come on and answer for their misdemeanours, you don’t empty chair a duly elected politician. “

The Conservative peer said the broadcasters need to remember their place when it comes to politics.

“The broadcaster’s job is to report the election, not manage it.”