The news that Johnson is choosing which debates he would like to take part in and which he would rather not is understandable as he is a human being and some will be a better match to his skills and behaviour than others. However access to the public broadcast media is not something that he should be able to control, even as Prime Minister, let alone as a candidate in an election that is not at all Presidential. If there is to be debates between party candidates, aimed at the leaders of the parties then they must take place, irrespective of which of the party members is willing to take part. If Boris is not willing to participate, then he either identifies an alternative or else there is an empty lectern or chair. We need an Independent body that is made up of broadcasters and members of public and clearly the feedback from the parties is essential as they set out to plan events, but we are currently in very concerning territory and we must move away from it very urgently.