The SNP is challenged by major news corporations due to lack of transparency

Image by Instagram @humzayousaf

After the Scottish National Party imposed restrictions on the media by barring journalists from attending its leadership hustings, a journalist has accused them of not being very transparent.

The BBC reported that Daily Record political editor Paul Hutcheon said that banning reporters from these meetings would mean that the SNP is more reserved as compared to the Conservatives.

Hutcheon said to BBC Radio’s Good Morning Scotland, “It looks like press freedoms are
being infringed.

“This is not simply a contest to select the SNP leader. This person will lead the country and become the first minister of the country.

“It affects everyone, not simply SNP members. Everyone in Scotland is entitled to see these three candidates up close and personal.”

The party, which is in the process to elect its next leader after Nicola Sturgeon resigned last month, had previously said that it would not allow journalists to attend the events to maintain a “safe space” for the members.

However, after the BBC, STV, ITN, and Sky questioned the ban, the SNP had to partially reverse the rule.

According to reports, none hustings have been scheduled to take place over the next few weeks where the party members will hear from the three candidates – Ash Regan, Humza Yousaf, and Kate Forbes – and ask them questions.

Regan, Yousaf and Forbes have allegedly stated that the media should be allowed to cover the events.

They are set to appear in the prime-time edition of Debate Night on BBC One Scotland on March 14 at 8pm which will feature questions from the host Stephen Jardine and a studio audience.

Additionally, a Debate Night Leadership Special will also be aired live from Edinburgh on BBC News online and iPlayer.