May and Corbyn in the firing line as rival leaders lock horns in televised debate

(left to right) Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood, Ukip's Paul Nuttall and the SNP's Nicola Sturgeon

Mrs May was accused of running scared from criticism of her record in government, with Plaid Cymru’s Leanne Wood suggesting this showed “weak and unstable” leadership.

While Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas claimed Labour had “left the field”, saying they had not only turned down opportunity for debate but have also written the Tories “a blank cheque” for Hard Brexit.

The two-hour ITV debate would have been the only opportunity for voters to see the leaders of all seven major political parties go head to head live on television.

However, both Mrs May and Mr Corbyn declined the broadcaster’s invitation to take part, with Mrs May claiming she would rather spend time meeting voters on the campaign trail.

The leaders of the remaining five parties – Tim Farron, Caroline Lucas, Nicola Sturgeon, Leanne Wood and Paul Nuttall – locked horns on issues ranging from Brexit and immigration, to healthcare, education and the economy.

Each was given one minute to make their pitch to voters, before taking questions from the audience.

Ms Wood used her opening speech to launch an attack on Mrs May for her absence. Making a play on the Tory’s “strong and stable” election mantra, she accused the Prime Minister of “weak and unstable” leadership.

“You may be too scared to come here tonight, for your U-turns to be highlighted, for your cruel policies to be exposed,” the Welsh politician said.

“You want this election to only be about Brexit because that means you avoid talking about the real issues like the NHS, the economy and the cuts you have made to our public services. That’s weak leadership.”

Ms Sturgeon also made a dig at the Prime Minister, who has faced criticism for her perceived shift to the right on issues like immigration and selective schooling, by referring to Paul Nuttall as Mrs May’s “spokesman”.

Ms Lucas directed her criticism at Labour, claiming the party “has only not turned up tonight; it’s completely left the field of opposition against the Tories”.