"Don't be a coward,Boris,"Hunt wrote."Man up and show the nation you can cope with the intense scrutiny the most difficult job in the country will involve."
Sky News invited Johnson and Hunt to a debate on Tuesday,but cancelled the session because Johnson refused to take part. The broadcaster has invited both candidates to another debate on July 1.
Johnson is the favourite in the race against Hunt but he has faced criticism for avoiding media appearances and debates. Such concerns have been heightened by Johnson's refusal to comment on the incident that brought officers to his door early Friday,when a neighbour reported hearing shouting,screaming and banging from the home that Johnson shares with partner,Carrie Symonds.
Asked about the police visit several times during a Conservative forum on Saturday,Johnson said the public did not want to"hear about that kind of thing."Johnson,who is known for attention-getting antics and glibly offensive comments,said the public should judge his character from his track record as mayor of London and as Britain's former foreign secretary.
The argument,first reported by theGuardian newspaper,was recorded by a neighbour,Tom Penn. In the recording,Symonds reportedly can be heard telling Johnson to"get off me,"and to"get out of my flat."Penn said he was concerned for the welfare of those inside.
"Once clear that no one was harmed,I contacted theGuardian,as I felt it was of important public interest,"Penn said."I believe it is reasonable for someone who is likely to become our next prime minister to be held accountable for all of their words,actions and behaviours."