Home secretary Amber Rudd is to represent the Conservatives in a live TV general election debate with leaders of some of the other parties, after Theresa May refused to take part.



Theresa May will not take part in the debate. Photograph: Mark Runnacles/Getty

Labour has yet to confirm who it will send to take part in the BBC election debate in Cambridge between 7.30pm and 9pm on Wednesday 31 May.

But aides have previously said that leader Jeremy Corbyn will only join debates if the prime minister is also present.

The Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, Ukip’s leader Paul Nuttall, Plaid Cymru’s leader Leanne Wood and Green co-leader Caroline Lucas will line up in the seven-way clash, alongside Scottish National party’s deputy leader, Angus Robertson.

Rudd was considered to have performed well appearing for the remain side in TV debates in the EU referendum, when she accused pro-Brexit colleague Boris Johnson of “misleading the public” and said: “The only number that Boris is interested in is the one that says Number 10.”

The 90-minute broadcast, to be moderated by Mishal Husain, will see each of the panellists make short opening statements followed by questions from the audience and closing remarks.

Party representatives drew lots to decide podium positions, which will see Farron placed on the far left and Robertson on the far right, with Wood, Rudd and Labour’s representative in the middle.

The order in which statements will be made was also determined by the drawing of lots.

Wood will have the first opening statement, while Rudd will have the final closing remarks.