Balls challenges Osborne to pre-election debate on economy

“Definitely. Absolutely. Bring it on, I say.”

That was Ed Balls’ reaction when asked whether he would take part in a live TV debate with Chancellor George Osborne. Speaking on LBC radio, Balls gave the emphatic response when posed the question by a listener.

He went on to say that “David Cameron seems to be a bit chicken” about taking part in debates, but said he did not think the same was true for Osborne:

“There are things that George Osborne and I disagree about, but I think he’s not a chicken, I think he wouldn’t chicken out.”

The host Iain Dale then extended an invite to Balls to debate the Chancellor. Balls replied “I would very happily do a debate with George Osborne, on LBC, chaired by Iain Dale, on this show, for as long as you want, any time, any place, anywhere – and I think he’d agree.” You can hear the full clip below.

Let’s wait to hear what the Chancellor says.