Live coverage: Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt in TV debate

The two contenders to succeed Theresa May as Prime Minister are appearing on a live ITV debate, which could help to decide the outcome of the Conservative Party leadership contest.

Mr Johnson will hope to use the occasion to seal his position as the clear frontrunner, with polls giving him an overwhelming lead among party members.

For Mr Hunt, the Foreign Secretary, it potentially offers a final chance to turn around a contest in which he has been the underdog throughout.

There has been frustration in the Hunt camp at the reluctance of his rival to engage in direct debate.

Here’s the latest:

8.20pm

Mr Johnson has said preparation will make a no-deal Brexit “vanishingly inexpensive”.

8.15pm

Mr Hunt challenged Mr Johnson over whether he would resign as PM if the UK does not leave the EU by October 31.

8.10pm

Mr Hunt used his opening statement in the debate to claim he was the candidate who could have an appeal beyond the Tory party.

“As a tough negotiator, I’ll deliver Brexit but so much more,” he said.

Highlighting his experience as an entrepreneur, the former health secretary and current Foreign Secretary, said: “In poll after poll I am the public’s preferred choice for prime minister because I appeal not just to those who already vote Conservative but those we need to win.

“And to those watching at home I will be your prime minister, whoever you vote for, as I bring together our amazing United Kingdom.”

8.05pm

Mr Johnson used his opening statement to promise he would give the UK its “mojo” back.

He said: “This country faces a momentous choice – we can either continue with the same old, failed, can-kicking approach, destroying trust in politics, sapping business confidence.

“Or else we can change, get back our mojo, restore this country’s reputation around the world and put ourselves on the path to long-term success.”

He vowed to get Brexit done by October 31 and pledged more money for schools, police and promised full-fibre broadband for all.

Mr Johnson said he would be able to take on the “semi-Marxist, wealth and job-destroying lunacy of Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party”.

7.55pm

Mr Johnson has been thanking his supporters.

7.50pm