Why is Boris Johnson reluctant to take part in TV debates and do they even matter?

Politics Explained: Televised clashes are a gamble for politicians, with many opportunities for carefully managed campaigns to fall apart

Boris Johnson has maintained a near complete media blackout since deciding to run for the Tory crown.

The Boris of old would have been all over the airwaves, leaving chaos in his wake and counting on a mixture of charm and chutzpah to see him through.

But Boris 2.0 is a different beast. In a sign of how seriously it takes the leadership race, his camp is keeping him well out of the spotlight in order to limit the chance for gaffes.