SNP hustings behind closed doors: What have they got to hide?
Highland News & Media's offer to facilitate a hustings during the SNP leadership race still stands despite the party's decision to ban journalists from such events.
Candidates Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan have all indicated they have no problem with the media attending hustings.
The party said the decision was so that the leadership hopefuls could have a "safe space" when addressing SNP members.
HNM head of content and audience Sarah Fyfe said: "Holding politicians to account is one of the cornerstones of good journalism. That's why we've extended an offer to the SNP for Highland News & Media to facilitate, broadcast, and cover the cost of a debate in the Highlands.
"Dualling the A9 and A96, the reduction in maternity services in rural locations, and the R100 broadband programme are all live issues that affect our readers. We were surprised to hear that the SNP have decided to hold their hustings behind closed doors – it will undoubtedly lead people across the country to wonder what they have to hide. We hope they reconsider, and I'd like to take this opportunity to say publicly: our offer still stands."
Other media outlets have also challenged the SNP's decision.
HNM managing director Steve Barron said: "Safe spaces are for the vulnerable, not for those standing to lead our country. For only a small number of SNP members to be granted access to watch the contenders to be our next First Minister debate each other suggests that command and control is more important than transparency."
