THERESA MAY was accused of “running scared” from Thursday night’s televised leaders’ debates after she repeatedly refused invitations to appear and defend her appalling record.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also declined the invitation, saying he would not take part in a debate without the Prime Minister.

As the debate got under way, Mr Corbyn tweeted: “Theresa May, why not debate me?

“The public deserve to see a debate between the only two people who could form the next government.”

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron, Ukip boss Paul Nuttall, Plaid Cymru’s Leanne Wood and Green co-leader Caroline Lucas appeared on ITV’s prime-time debate.

Ms Wood slammed Ms May’s “weak and unstable” leadership reflected in her decision not to join the debate.

She addressed Ms May in her opening statement, saying: “You may be too scared to come here tonight, for your U-turns to be highlighted, for your cruel policies to be exposed.

“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.”

Ms Lucas used her opening statement to insist Britain can cope with the serious challenges it faces, telling the audience: “When people come together and reach for a bigger future, we have shown we can change the course of history.”

Despite failing to rule out another coalition with the Tories, Mr Farron said he was determined to stop the return of a “heartless Conservative government.”

Failed MP candidate Mr Nuttall claimed only his party was “truly committed to the Brexit that people voted for” in last year’s referendum.

The party leaders clashed over Brexit, migration and social care.