Who is in the Republican debate?

The first of several political debates is finally getting under way

From top left: Republican presidential candidates Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee and from bottom left: John Kasich, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump and Scott Walker (AP)

The first official debate of the Republican Party is taking place in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday 6 August.

The main debate, taking place at 9pm, involves the 10 Republican candidates currently leading in the polls.

They are billionaire tycoon Donald Trump, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Ohio Governor John Kasich.

An earlier debate for those who did not make the cut for prime time, is happening at 5pm and involves Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, Bobby Jindal, Carly Fiorina, Lindsey Graham, George Pataki, and Jim Gilmore.