Host Mishal Husein quickly set the scene for last night’s BBC leaders’ debate. “One by one the questioners will stand up,” she told us before the event. “We want to cover as many topics as possible”. Haud me back. It’s time for some jeopardy to be injected into this tired format.

I’d be in favour of an in-show VAR team. An expectant murmur would sweep over the television audience as Ms Mishal was invited to have a look at actual NHS waiting times. The offender would be told to sit the next question out.

Strict time limits on each response would be imposed. Any that strayed beyond the designated curb would have minutes deducted from their next reply.

There would be a ban on “thank you very much for your question”. We all know what they’re really thinking when they say this to the questioner: “You’re a sanctimonious wee weapon: what in the name of Friar Tuck would you know?”

The first question last night was about the lack of integrity in politics. This followed revelations that, knowing they’re about to get........

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