Will TV debate sway your vote? 85% of Hartlepool readers say they've already made up their minds

We asked readers to have their say on whether they could be swayed by televised election debates ahead of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s appearance on Tuesday, November 19.

And the results show that a large majority believe they won’t be swayed by anything either of the two main party leaders have to say in a TV debate.

At the time of writing, 85% of of 470 readers say they vote won’t be swayed while 15% say that TV debates could have an impact on their decision.

Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson faced each other in the first televised live debate of the election campaign on Tuesday.

ITV hosted the first head-to-head between the Labour and Conservative leaders, with news presenter Julie Etchingham chairing the event. It aired at 8pm UK time.

Controversially, the programme featured the leaders of only the two largest parties, after a High Court challenge mounted by the Liberal Democrats and SNP arguing for their inclusion failed.

Here’s what readers had to say:

Mark Sedgwick: “I think people will already have made their mind up based on what we've seen over the last three and a half years. Whatever they say, do or promise on one night isn't going to change our minds.”

Mark Jackson: “Not a two party state, won’t watch, won’t vote for either!”

Graeme Wharton: “Hardly democracy with only two parties involved.”

Sandra Davies: “Already made my mind up.”