17:56

The BBC has announced plans to hold high-profile debates involving Tory leadership candidates without consulting with some of the candidates.

The BBC’s decision to unilaterally announce its own broadcasting plans – including a hustings in mid-June and a head-to-head debate between the two final candidates – puts the pressure on individual Tory candidates to take part. But some leadership campaign teams told the Guardian they were unaware of the plans until a press release was issued on Tuesday afternoon and complained it was an attempt to bounce them into taking part.

The decision to unilaterally announce the format ensures the broadcaster can avoid the excruciating, lengthy, and ultimately pointless debate over the format of the Brexit television debate that never happened between Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn at the end of last year.

Given the potentially make-or-break nature of the Tory leadership debate – and the fact that the winner of the contest will almost certainly become prime minister – the broadcasts could shape the future of British politics, and of the Brexit debate.

The format, which will see all the remaining contenders take part in a hustings after two rounds of voting by Tory MPs, could be chaotic if a large number of candidates remain involved. It could also be damaging for Boris Johnson, whose status as frontrunner means he is likely to come under attack from all sides.

Other broadcasters, including ITV and Sky, are also planning their own leadership debates.