Brexit Debate: Why Are Vote Leave So Angry?

Vote Leave are furious.

When the news broke last night that ITV would be hosting a debate with Nigel Farage and David Cameron I was with the campaign team - and they didn't like it.

In their view this was ITV sabotaging the whole campaign. So why do they think this?

First of all, Vote Leave is the Electoral Commission's nominated official Out campaign group, and Mr Farage stood against them as part of the Grassroots Out campaign which failed to get the nomination.

Secondly, Vote Leave were in negotiation with ITV over the debates and believe their decision allows the Prime Minister to potentially swerve a blue-on-blue conflict with the likes of Michael Gove or Boris Johnson.

Thirdly, Nigel Farage is seen as a marmite character. There is no denying he has been instrumental in creating the referendum but could he also play a part in the downfall of the campaign the leave the EU?

:: EU In Or Out: Put Yor Questions To The PM Or Gove

Vote Leave campaigners think he could. The reason being that, while his message appeals to UKIP voters and great deal of people who are concerned about immigration, those people are probably going to vote for Brexit anyway.

The lead out campaign group wants to attract undecided voters who are on the cusp of ticking either box - could these people tick "remain" through a desire not to be associated with Nigel Farage?

The UKIP leader can be a formidable debater. It's generally agreed that he defeated Nick Clegg in their set-to ahead of the EU elections.

Then again, remember what happened in the ITV General Election debate when he brought up the cost to the taxpayer of foreign HIV patients? His rivals turned on him and he was roundly condemned.

In the BBC debate he accused the audience of being biased and was booed as he tried to make his case.

ITV say that by inviting Mr Farage they have "made an editorial judgement" which is "fair to both sides".

Vote Leave argues that the broadcaster has "effectively become part of the In campaign".

While Michael Gove will represent Vote Leave on the Sky News programme - the Prime Minster will be on the same stage but not on the same night and it could be argued that the ITV debate is likely to reach a larger audience.

And so it seems the UKIP leader will play a central role in the final outcome of this huge question looming on 23 June.

A source close to Mr Farage said they were "disappointed at Vote Leave's negativity". A few weeks ago Mr Farage told me he didn't think the Out camp would win a blue-on-blue fight unless, possibly, it was against Boris - which the Prime Minister would never agree to.

So in his view, just as it was his party that forced Mr Cameron to hold a referendum in the first place, so too the mission to persuade the public to vote out falls to him.

:: EU: In Or Out with David Cameron will be shown on Sky News on 2 June at 8pm on Sky News, and the programme with Michael Gove is on 3 June, also at 8pm.