Sturgeon accused of dodging voters’ challenges after snub to Question Time

NICOLA Sturgeon has been accused of “running scared” and dodging scrutiny after snubbing a special Holyrood election edition of BBC Question Time.

Leaders of all the other Holyrood parties have agreed to take part in tonight’s show, which will feature questions from a virtual audience.

However, the First Minister will not appear, with SNP depute leader Keith Brown taking her place.

In the only TV Leaders’ Debate so far to include audience questions, Ms Sturgeon was criticised by members of the public over her plan for a second independence referendum after the Covid crisis.

Ms Sturgeon last appeared in a BBC Question Time Leaders’ Special in the 2019 General Election, when she was not a candidate. The Tories said the First Minister was trying to “weasel” out of the show by sending her “lackey”.

Labour will be represented by Anas Sarwar, the Tories by Douglas Ross, the Liberal Democrats by Willie Rennie, and the Greens by co-leader Lorna Slater.

Earlier this month, BBC Question Time emailed one opposition party saying it was “inviting Scottish Party leaders to take part in the show”, including the SNP.

The SNP vigorously denied Ms Sturgeon ever agreed to participate.

Scottish Tory candidate for Glasgow Annie Wells said: “Nicola Sturgeon is trying to dodge scrutiny and send in her back-up Keith Brown because she doesn’t want to face questions about her record on drug deaths, jobs, schools or her divisive plans for another independence referendum.

“The SNP are at it with their pathetic excuses. As early as March 8, BBC bosses were telling the Scottish Conservatives they wanted all five party leaders. Question Time clearly asked for Nicola Sturgeon and they’ve been forced to accept her lackey instead.

“Trying to weasel out of this is an embarrassment. The SNP should own this – Nicola Sturgeon is scared of direct challenges from voters.”

Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael said: “This was pitched to us as an event for party leaders.

“Despite what SNP spin doctors might say, it is obvious that they are trying to protect Nicola Sturgeon’s reputation from further damage.”

A Scottish Labour source added: “Nicola Sturgeon is treating this election like a coronation tour – hiding from scrutiny from the press and the public. People deserve the right to question their leaders and running scared just confirms the woeful state of the SNP’S record.”

The SNP said Ms Sturgeon would be taking part in a phone-in with members of the public tonight.

A spokesperson said: “There has never been any suggestion that the First Minister would be taking part. The BBC did not include Question Time in their requests for leaders participation.

“The SNP was asked for an SNP representative and the SNP’S Depute Leader will be appearing.

“It is for other parties who they chose to put forward.”