David Cameron drops out of #LeadersLive debate

Bite the Ballot, the political engagement charity behind the #LeadersLive debates, has today announced that David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Conservative Party, has dropped out of his agreed appearance.

Leaders from the other four major parties (Labour, Liberal Democrats, UKIP and the Green Party) all participated in debates at the end of last year. It was expected Cameron would take part to represent the Conservative Party in early 2015, however it was revealed today that Cameron’s aides sent Bite The Ballot an email saying that he was ‘too busy’.

In response, Bite The Ballot has started an online campaign using the #WeWantMore hashtag.

The series of debates, designed to let young people voice their questions to the party leaders, have involved a number of YouTubers. As a result many have flocked to Twitter to voice their concerns:

Is @David_Cameron backing out of @BiteTheBallot a sign that he only cares about the older generations who are more likely to vote for him?

— Ellen Rose (@icklenellierose) January 9, 2015

embarrassing, David Cameron is the only major party leader not to appear on @BiteTheBallot‘s ✖️#LeadersLive clearly the youth vote = nothing

— Gary C (@oohgaryc) January 9, 2015

David Cameron cancelled #LeadersLive appearance. Why does he fear engaging with young people if his policies are ‘working’? #WeWantMore — Myles Dyer (@MylesDyer) January 9, 2015

In @David_Cameron rejecting #LeadersLive, it sends the message that young voices don’t matter. Our voices and votes DO count :) #WeWantMore — Rebecca (@beckie0) January 9, 2015

Shame that Cameron decided not to go through with Leaders Live… He clearly isn’t interested in the youth vote but what’s new? #WeWantMore — Lucy Moon (@meowitslucy) January 9, 2015

The campaign has started to gain traction on social media with politicians and major news organizations also talking about it.

First Cameron chickens out of TV debates, then ducks @BiteTheBallot. Will he speak to the British public or is he in hiding? #WeWantMore

— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) January 9, 2015

Downing Street confirms David Cameron won’t take part in #LeadersLive debate for young voters http://t.co/KdKJkcw74N pic.twitter.com/EnRiYLMm2M

— ITV News (@itvnews) January 9, 2015