Sky News has cancelled its Conservative leadership debate after Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss refused to take part.
The debate was due to be hosted by Kay Burley tomorrow evening.
Conservative MPs are said to be concerned about the damage the debates are doing to the image of the party, exposing disagreements and splits.
But opposition parties have criticised the candidates for shying away from scrutiny.
John Ryley, head of Sky News, said: "Sky News has campaigned for an independent commission to organise the running of TV debates between leaders of Britain's main parties.
"Sky News and other broadcasters worked successfully together on televised leadership debates ahead of the 2010 general election."
Mr Sunak and Ms Truss engaged in bad-tempered exchanges as the five remaining Conservative leadership rivals faced off in the second televised debate on ITV last night.
Those still in the running to become the next leader of the Conservative Party are Mr Sunak, Ms Truss, Penny Mordaunt, Kemi Badenoch and Tom Tugendhat.
