Inverness Courier to host SNP leadership hustings
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The Inverness Courier is to host a leadership hustings focused on the Highlands and Moray as the SNP gears up to select Scotland’s next First Minister.
All three candidates – Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan – have agreed to take part in the event, which will be held in the city on March 17.
Sarah Fyfe, head of content and audience at Highland News and Media, publisher of the Courier, said: “The Highlands and Moray should never be an afterthought for people in power.
"We are committed to being ambassadors for our communities, and that means holding politicians to account.
"The upcoming leadership hustings hosted by the Inverness Courier is a clear message that local media can, and should be, a powerful voice.
"We’ve worked hard to make this happen, so I’d like to make a promise to our readers – we will make the most of this opportunity to press the three candidates in the running to be our next First Minister on the issues that matter to you most.”
Demand for access to the debates spiked after the SNP initially sought to keep hustings an internal member-only affair – sparking much criticism.
But we have pushed for public access because whoever wins will become Scotland’s next leader at a critical time.
Issues that Forbes, Regan and Yousaf will be faced with concern the Scottish Government’s relationship with the north of Scotland.
Recently that has seen significant government programmes. like the A9 and A96 dualling and the R100 broadband programme, delayed or paused.
Our readers will have access to the debate – more details to follow on our website.
