Review: Johnson v Hunt Debate

In the one and only Conservative leadership race debate on ITV, hopefuls Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt went head to head on issues from Brexit to the NHS to what it means to be the British prime minister.

If you missed the debate, or just couldn’t understand anything other than Boris Johnson talking over everyone, we’ve summed it all up for you in this article.

Who won?

Overall, it was Jeremy Hunt who took the debate and won it. He came across much smoother, more put together and lots calmer than Boris Johnson in his answer to every question. He remained composed, yet passionate at points, presenting himself as prime minister material, unlike Johnson who frequently went on ranting tangents and refused to let Hunt speak.

Johnson’s composure throughout the debate was unsteady, as seen in his visible discomfort when pressured by Hunt multiple times to answer a question. His rants made him come across as rude and erratic – and generally a bit odd.

Most political commentators have reached consensus that Hunt won the debate.

Brexit: who said what?

Perhaps the most pressing issue of the moment is Brexit, and it was much of the discussion in the debate.

Boris Johnson promised that the UK would leave the EU on 31st October and is prepared to do so without a deal. Johnson said that so long as a no-deal is “well-managed”, it is not a problem for businesses or jobs. He repeatedly told Hunt that it is important to remain optimistic surrounding Brexit, regardless of whether or not we have a deal.

Hunt basically accused Johnson of having blind optimism regarding a no-deal Brexit, though admitted that, if pushed, he would pull the UK out without a deal if it came down to it. He would not promise that the UK would leave on Halloween this year as he cannot promise there won’t be a general election that would hold proceedings back. Hunt pointed to his ten-point plan as to why he is more prepared than Johnson for Brexit.

PM material?

Obviously, both candidates appeared to believe they are prime minister material. Johnson said his optimism is why he would make a good one, while Hunt said it is honesty with the people which makes one a good PM.

Hunt repeatedly pointed to his background as an entrepreneur as to why he would be a good, strong PM, even saying that “I’ll be your prime minister no matter who you vote for” in a strong statement during the debate.

But, regardless of who won the debate and who is more favoured by the British people, none of this really matters. It’s down to the select few – the Conservative Party members – who get to choose Britain’s next prime minister.