The former Foreign Secretary is under pressure to appear on the live debate after fellow rival candidates confirmed they will take part. But, a source close to Mr Johnson refused to commit to him taking part, instead saying only that they were prepared to “discuss details of a debate with different candidates”. Michael Gove, Jeremy Hunt, Sajid Javid, Andrea Leadsom, Rory Stewart and Esther McVey all told the Daily Telegraph that they would be happy to participate.

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Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, on Monday wrote to broadcasters and news organisations asking them to commit to hosting debates between leadership candidates.

It came after Dominic Raab, the former Brexit Secretary, said that live debates could “revitalise” support for the Conservative Party and that the country “deserves to see us set out our stall”.

In his letter to broadcasters, Mr Hancock said: “While the outcome of this leadership contest will be shaped by Conservative MPs and ultimately decided by Conservative Party members, it will affect everyone in the United Kingdom.

“This contest is not just about who leads our party but who leads our country. Rather than just an internal-facing party conversation, we need a truly national debate about the future direction of the UK.

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“So I believe your audience should have the chance to see all the candidates put through their paces, live and in front of the nation, at all stages of this contest.”

During the EU referendum televised debates in 2016 Boris Johnson was targeted by rivals from all sides of the political spectrum.

Amber Rudd, the then energy secretary, controversially described him as the “life and soul of the party but not the man you want driving you home at the end of the evening”.

He said that he is appealing to both traditional broadcasters and “new media” such as websites and podcasts to host debates.

He said: “It is in the interests of the Conservative Party for MPs and party members to see how well the candidates stand up to the scrutiny of live, televised debates before they make their choice.

“I am making this call to both the traditional broadcasters and new media to ensure we reach as many voters – especially younger voters – as possible. This contest is about the future.

“We need a serious debate about how we both deliver Brexit and move forward to tackle the other big issues that matter to people. I hope I can count on your support.”

A Gove campaign source said: “Michael is looking forward to a contest of ideas and having taken part of some of the biggest TV moments of the referendum campaign, he would relish the opportunity to to demonstrate that he is ready to lead this great country.”

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