SNP mocked over partial u-turn in media ban at leadership contest hustings

dailyrecord.co.uk:

SNP bosses have made a partial u-turn on banning media from their leadership hustings.Party headquarters yesterday sparked fury after claiming the press would be blocked due to a need for a “safe space” for members.It is understood they will now allow a limited number of broadcast and print journalists to cover the Cumbernauld event on a “pooled” basis.The SNP is also under pressure to ensure the hustings is live streamed.All three leadership candidates - Humza Yousaf, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan - called for media access and the SNP was mocked by journalists on social media for wanting to restrict newspapers to one reporter.

SNP MP Joanna Cherry said it was “absolutely correct” to say the media and public should have access to the hustings because “the winner will lead not just @theSNP but the country”.

She added: “The decision to exclude them needs reversed today.”Nine hustings are planned for party members to hear from the three candidates and ask them questions.The contest will determine the next SNP leader and almost certainly the next First Minister.In a letter to SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who is married to outgoing leader Nicola Sturgeon, Labour MP Ian Murray wrote:"I ask that you open the doors to journalists, to allow proper scrutiny of candidates, and that you broadcast each and every one of these hustings’ events online for the public to view.

Previous Labour leadership elections followed this process, and indeed even the Tory leadership election last year allowed the press and public to participate.“It is completely unacceptable that such an important contest can be conducted in secrecy, with the people of Scotland given no say whatsoever in choosing their next leader.