Sturgeon struggles as leaders focus on shoring up core vote
Anas Sarwar put in another strong performance in an leaders’ debate in a format that gave the hopefuls a more engaging platform to make their case for Scotland.
Allowing leaders to interrogate their rivals gave viewers the best insight yet into the key messages each party wishes to put to the electorate. And again it was Scottish Labour through Mr Sarwar who came out on top.
During an early feisty exchange on independence, it was the Scottish Labour leader who most successfully put across his case for the domestic agenda and it was a stark contrast to the “you just can’t” response from Scottish Tories leader Douglas Ross whenaskedwhethercovid-19 recovery and independence could run in tandem.
Bar an early gaffe misnaming chair Colin Mackay, Mr Sarwar was assured and the politician with the clearest domestic message of how best Holyrood can, without independence, do more.
Despite a strong start on issues such as Brexit and Conservative “recklessness”, a message sure to resonate with those who believe the First Minister dealt well with the pandemic, Nicola Sturgeoncameunderfierceattack on her record.
Herresponses,long-winded and failing to provide a credible explanation as to why the SNP has not done better, meant her central weakness of her government’s record was front and centre.
Mr Ross improved on the first debate and attempted to avoid the question of the constitution during his questioning of Ms Sturgeon, but failed toapplythefinishinonequestion on the SNP’S record, blazing the shot wide by mentioning a referendum.
His softly-softly approach to questions from other leaders was a sea-change, but came across as manufactured, especially in response to his SNP counterpart.
The best question of the night and the weakest moment for Mr Ross was Patrick Harvie asking the leader about his views on gypsy travellers. Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie did his best to stayrelevant,butstruggledon Brexit and Scotland’s future with the EU.
The debate will have done little to help floating voters, with all leaders focused on shoring up their core vote.