Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick are set to take part in the first TV event of the Conservative leadership race tonight.

The shadow housing secretary, who is the favourite, and the ex-immigration minister will appear on a special GB News show.

The pair, who are battling to replace Rishi Sunak, will make their pitches to Tory members on the programme titled Decision Time: The Race To Lead.

GB News Editorial Director Michael Booker said: “This could become one of the pivotal moments in the race to become party leader.

“And GB News is pleased to be able to bring it to our viewers and listeners, as it promises to be one of the political TV highlights of the year.”

When is it on?

Decision Time: The Race To Lead will be broadcast on GB News between 7pm and 9pm on Thursday.

How can I watch it?

GB News can be viewed on all major UK platforms including Freeview, YouView, Sky, Virgin Media, and Freesat.

Who is hosting the debate?

The programme will be presented and moderated by GB News’s political editor Christopher Hope.

The journalist interviewed the four leadership candidates – Ms Badenoch, Mr Jenrick, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat – who were still in the contest at the Tory conference earlier this month.

What is the format?

Both leadership hopefuls will get a five-minute opening pitch to the audience of Tory members.

They will then be quizzed by members of the audience and Mr Hope one at a time so will not go head-to-head directly.

It will be followed by a reaction show, hosted by Patrick Christys, featuring a panel of experts from across the political spectrum.

Are there any other TV debates?

There are currently no other TV showdowns planned with Ms Badenoch and Mr Jenrick.

The BBC has offered both candidates to appear on a special Question Time episode hosted by Fiona Bruce in Plymouth next Thursday.

Mr Jenrick wrote on social media platform X that he was “delighted to accept” the offer.

But it is not clear if Ms Badenoch will take part, with her allies saying the decision would rest with Conservative HQ.

The BBC is insisting that half the audience is made up of recent Tory voters with the rest from other parties, but it is understood CCHQ wants it to be members only.

When does contest finish?

Conservative members have until October 31 to vote for Ms Badenoch and Mr Jenrick, who were picked by MPs as the final two candidates.

The result of the leadership race will be announced on November 2.

Who is the favourite?

Ms Badenoch, who is known for her combative views on woke issues, is widely viewed as the favourite in the contest.

But Mr Jenrick, who resigned from Rishi Sunak’s government in protest at emergency Rwanda legislation not going far enough, has emerged as a flag-bearer for the Tory right.

Ms Badenoch is just ahead of Mr Jenrick, according to bookies Ladbrokes, at 4/9 to 7/4.