Downing St 'is getting desperate' over TV debates

Paddy Ashdown has said the suggestion David Cameron is being "bullied" by broadcasters over his stance on TV debates is "ridiculous".

The former Lib Dem leader said he did not think much weight should be given to the comments made by former BBC and ITV chairman Lord Grade that a debate without Cameron would breach impartiality claims.

He told ITV News: "Lord Grade has had a very distinguished broadcast career, but he is speaking as a Conservative peer in the Conservative interest.

"And I, frankly, don't see why we should give any more weight to his statements than exactly that."

He added he thought it was a slight indication of the "desperation" at Downing Street that they asked Grade to speak out on their behalf.