BBC Question Time viewers 'switch off' minutes into TV debate

BBC Question Time viewers ‘switched off’ just minutes into the election special show. With just two weeks to go until polling day, the campaign trail for PM hopefuls is ramping up.

Four party leaders from the Conservatives, Labour, Lib Dems and SNP took take part in the two-hour BBC debate. Moderated by Fiona Bruce, Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey and the SNP's John Swinney each had 30 minutes to answer questions from a live studio audience in York.

It is the first multi-party TV debate since ITV's General Election special on June 13. During the episode Mr Davey was questioned over the Lib Dems' broken promise on tuition fees. Read all the latest updates from the special here.

READ MORE: BBC Question Time Leaders Special at University of York - LIVE

The Lib Dem leader admitted he was not 'proud' of some of the party's actions during the Coalition years - when he was a Cabinet minister. Viewers watching at home went straight to social media and shared their reaction to the episode as viewers couldn’t help but question the new format.

@kerrymarmstrong Tweeted: Missed the beginning but already don't like this format. Keep it at the question time roots and get the four of them sat round a table, answering the questions in the usual way #questiontime.” @SuzeHopper1 said: “So glad I'm not watching #QuestionTime #LeadersDebate. Would have watched if Victoria Derbyshire was presenting it.”

@nialloconghail wrote; So, I watched the UK's #Question Time last night (I have not seen it in many years) Couple of format issues." While @Tesz added: “Not a massive fan of Fiona Bruce and #questiontime. I thought the audience were meant to ask the questions and she was going to let them speak?”

However some viewers likes the format. @cpttt450 said: “I have got to say this format is sooo much better. Just need someone better than Fiona Bruce.” While @ColBloodnok added: “Fiona Bruce, the format of #questiontime is simple, the public ask a question, the leaders answer and I don't interrupt 15 minutes in and we are on our 8th interpretation."