Highland MSP Kate Forbes calls for SNP leadership debates to be webcast and open to the press
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Kate Forbes this evening called for the regional hustings for the SNP leadership contest – which have been organised by the party – to be webcast live online.
The 32-year-old says she has had received representations from scores of members from across Scotland who were unable to attend their closest hustings due to spaces being snapped up.
The first of a series of party hustings begins tomorrow evening (March 1) in Cumbernauld.
Only one date has been announced for the Highlands and islands and that is at Eden Court in Inverness on March 4.
More on Kate Forbes' leadership bid
“I have received messages from party members the length and breadth of Scotland because all of the spaces for the hustings have been snapped up."
The SNP leadership candidate also said that the media should be given access to report on the proceedings.
Kate Forbes said: “As you would expect for Scotland’s biggest political party, there is considerable interest from members in listening to the forthcoming hustings.
“As the leader of the SNP will also become First Minister, it is no surprise that the general public as well as the media are keen to follow the debate too.
“I have received messages from party members the length and breadth of Scotland because all of the spaces for the hustings have been snapped up.
“I fully believe in democracy and transparency, and I think it would be a positive thing for the hustings to be livestreamed to a significantly bigger audience – the SNP has a membership of 100,000 and most of the venues will only take a few hundred people.
“I don’t believe any of the candidates have anything to hide, in fact, it would give us a platform to set a positive example for how to have respectful, informed and varied debate.
“I hope that members of the media can be given access too – as well as the national media, I know a number of local media outlets will be very keen to cover town hall meetings that are happening on their doorstep.”
The SNP has been approached for comment.
