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Labour is ready to start talks about TV election debates without “chicken” David Cameron.

The move reflects mounting frustration among Labour chiefs and broadcasters that the PM is “running scared” and trying to scupper the shows that attract millions of viewers.

In the 2010 general election contest, the televised debates between the Labour, Tory and Lib Dem leaders dominated the campaign.

But Tory strategists fear Mr Cameron could suffer in the TV clash - especially if Ukip leader Nigel Farage is allowed to take part for the first time.

(Image: Getty)

Conservatives have stubbornly refused to set a date for talks between the political parties and broadcasters to start, even though they have claimed they are keen for the debates to go ahead.

Now Labour is warning that it is poised to start talks with the other parties and TV chiefs without the foot-dragging PM’s negotiating team.

Michael Dugher, Labour vice-chairman and the party’s lead negotiator for the prime ministerial tv debates, slammed the PM for stalling over the clashes to be screened by the BBC, ITV and Sky.

Mr Dugher said: “For all his phoney bravado, David Cameron is still running scared of the TV debates.

“If he doesn’t name his negotiating team and set a date for negotiations, why wouldn’t the broadcasters sit down with Labour and Lib Dems and start the negotiations without the Tories.

(Image: Jeff Overs / BBC / PA)

“The TV debates belong to the public, not the prime minister, and Cameron’s chickening out of the debates is just further evidence that he has no answers to the big challenges we face as a country like saving our NHS or tackling the cost-of-living crisis”.

Tory Party chairman Grant Shapps said last week that he was sure that “somewhere along the line” Ukip leader Mr Farage would be involved in the TV debates following his party’s triumph in the Clacton byelection.

Tories are keen on an option that would exclude Mr Farage, who they fear would prove a more effective performer than the PM on the shows.

They are pushing for a head-to-head debate between Mr Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband - and a separate five-way debate to include the leaders of the Lib Dems, Ukip and the Green Party.

A Labour source said: “The truth is that David Cameron doesn’t want these TV debates and is doing everything he can to avoid them.”