ASH Regan has confirmed she will take part in the “first major hustings” of the SNP leadership campaign.
It comes after this paper reported that the SNP’s largest affiliate group, representing some 12,000 trade unionists, had challenged the three runners in the leadership race to appear at a debate on March 12.
The National understands that SNP rules mean that no hustings can take place unless all three of the candidates agree to take part. Regan’s acceptance means the ball is firmly in the courts of Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes.
The SNP Trade Union Group (SNPTUG), which is looking to organise the hustings in association with The National, said the event would be focused on “issues of primary concern to all Scotland’s working people and communities – particularly its 600,000 trade unionists – arising from the current cost-of-living crisis”.
Bill Ramsay, the group’s convener, said: “It is vital that the next leader of our party and first minister of Scotland is attuned to the needs and wishes of people across our nation for decent jobs and conditions, a strong NHS and public services, a just economy, a sustainable energy future, and more.
“In inviting the leadership contenders to the first major hustings event of this contest, we have stressed the link between these key concerns and the debate about the path to Scotland’s future. We look forward to positive responses from the candidates shortly.”
The SNPTUG said that further details of the event, which is planned to be both online and in-person, would be made available after the candidates had responded.
The group said that “a major figure from the trade union movement”, independent of party politics, had been invited to chair the event.
Ramsay said: “This political conversation is about the leader of the Scottish Government as well as our party.
“We feel it is important that the chair should be someone of stature who can ensure that the concerns of all trade unionists and the great majority of the working people and communities across Scotland are central to the debate.”
