Television debates 'cost Tories majority'

Conservative deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft has claimed that the TV leaders' debates were to blame for the party's failure to secure an overall majority in the general election.

In April, live televised debates between Gordon Brown, Nick Clegg and David Cameron were aired on ITV1, BBC One and Sky News ahead of the election on May 6.

Lord Ashcroft believes that giving a prominent platform to Clegg changed the "narrative and rhythm" of the campaign by allowing the Liberal Democrat leader to position himself as a candidate for change, reports The Independent.

The billionaire, who yesterday announced that he is stepping down from his position, also accepted blame for concentrating on attacking the then prime minister Brown in the debates rather than highlighting Tory party policy.

Published yesterday, Lord Ashcroft's new book, titled Minority Verdict, gives an assessment of the party's election campaign, including his disappointment at not securing an outright victory.

He claimed that the TV leaders' debates were "arguably a tactical error which exposed a strategic problem".

"Three weeks before the election the market was still wide open for a party of change," he said.

"Nick Clegg was only able to appropriate the territory of 'real change' because we did not dominate it ourselves."

A Tory spokesman said: "[Lord] Michael helped to fight a great campaign and we're all extremely grateful for his tireless work as deputy chairman.

"This book is part of the 'lessons learnt' exercise and we should welcome it. He has made a very significant contribution to the success of the Conservative Party and we thank him for his dedication."