Tory leadership debate halted after presenter faints in studio

Foreign secretary Liz Truss was half way through an answer to a question when interrupted by a crashing sound.

Talk TV Conservative leadership debate halted after presenter Kate McCann ‘faints’ in studio — The debate was immediately halted. iStock

26th Jul 2022

The Tory leadership debate on TalkTV was stopped due to the presenter fainting, and will not be resumed.

TalkTV’s political editor Kate McCann, collapsed as Liz Truss was in the middle of an answer to a question.

As Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss were clashing once again over taxes, NHS funding and the economy in their second head-to-head televised debate, a loud crash interrupted the two Tory rivals.

The Foreign Secretary looked visibly worried and could be heard saying “oh my god”, as she walked off the stage.

The programme immediately went off-air, with a message apologising to viewers.

It was later determined the debate should not continue.

Ms McCann was meant to appear alongside The Sun’s political editor Harry Cole, but he tested positive for Covid-19 earlier today.

The broadcaster said in a statement: “Kate McCann fainted on air tonight and although she is fine, the medical advice was that we shouldn’t continue with the debate.

“We apologise to our viewers and listeners.”

Both Sunak and Truss have since tweeted their well-wished to the presenter.

Sunak posted: “Good news that you’re already recovering @KateEMcCann.

“It was a great debate and I look forward to getting grilled by you again shortly.”

Truss added: “Relieved to hear @KateEMcCann is fine.

“Really sorry that such a good debate had to end.

“Look forward to catching up with Kate and the rest of the @TheSun @TalkTV team again soon.”