Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss head to sold-out Perth Tory hustings - and protests await

The event, which will be held at Perth's Concert Hall, is a sell-out and, given it is the only such event being held in Scotland, it is expected to attract attention from right across the country.

But what can we expect from the episode seven of the hustings series and how are independence supporters feeling about the impending visit?

What issues could come up?

The Tory membership may not be Nicola Sturgeon’s biggest fans but it would be a shock if Truss was not asked about her “attention seeker” jibe towards the First Minister at some point.

Her remarks  - in which she also suggested ignoring the SNP leader - have already received a negative reaction from within the party, with former Tory MSP Mary Scanlon insisting Truss had lost her support because of them. Many also feel it was an attack on Scotland and democracy as a whole rather than just Sturgeon herself.

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The issue of a second independence referendum will also be top of the agenda, with both candidates having ruled out granting one with varying degrees of firmness.

Truss replied with a Thatcher-esque “no, no, no” when asked if she would ever grant a second vote, while Sunak has pledged to be “firm” with Sturgeon and be more active in delivering projects in Scotland. The former chancellor has said indyref2 is the “wrong priority at the worst possible moment”.

As well as the question of a referendum, the candidates will no doubt be pressed on how they plan to make a positive case for the Union. Sunak has said there had to be more emotional arguments for the UK to counter the “seductive” appeal of independence, and he has already pledged to bring back the UK Government’s Union Unit to see off talk of self-determination for Scotland.

Truss has said she will take on the role of minister for the Union if she becomes PM, following in Boris Johnson’s footsteps, and has vowed to govern for the whole UK “family”.

Are protests planned?

Yes group All Under One Banner was planning a Cost of Union demonstration but has had to call this off at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. A similar protest was held outside Perth Concert Hall in 2019 when Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt were vying to become Tory leader.

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But whether it be the Rwanda policy, the climate emergency or the cost-of-living crisis, there will be plenty of people turning up with banners to let the candidates know what they think of them.

Local activists of Perth Against Racism will be holding a protest and are asking trade unionists and campaigners to join them. Stand Up to Racism has helped to organise a coach from Glasgow’s George Square.

Meanwhile, a “Boris Bus” could be heading to Perth as some members demand a vote on Johnson’s future. Lord Cruddas of Shoreditch is leading a campaign for members to have a say in whether or not Johnson should have resigned as Prime Minister, and for him to be added to the leadership ballot.

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Cruddas, who described Johnson’s ousting as “anti-democratic”, said the membership were angry at party MPs and wouldn’t be surprised if there were “protests and a battle bus”.

What are parties and politicians saying?

Pete Wishart, Perth’s SNP MP, said the contest will not appeal to voters in the city which has consistently rejected the Tories.

But, given Truss and Sunak are visiting, he has demanded answers over why they are so determined to deny Scotland’s democratic right to choose its future.

He told the National: “The Tory leadership races is essentially a contest to see who can out-Thatcher the other - and it offers nothing to the people of Scotland.

“It certainly doesn’t appeal to voters here in Perth who have consistently rejected the Tories in countless elections.

“However, it would be good to get answers from them on why they think a democratic mandate obtained in countless elections isn’t enough to hold a vote over Scotland's future. How exactly do they plan to uphold democracy?

%image('14464625', type="article-full", alt="Pete Wishart")

“I suspect though their answers will continue to do nothing but disrespect the mandate delivered by the people of Scotland in a free and fair election.

"Thankfully neither candidate has the authority or power to deny a referendum.

“Scotland hasn’t voted for the Tories since the 1950s yet we keep getting saddled with Tory governments. It's time for Scots to have their say over their future.”

Green MSP Mark Ruskell insists difficult questions must be put to the candidates about their "disdain for democracy" and their handling of the economy.

He said: “We’ve heard little to nothing about how they’ll [Truss and Sunak] deal with the real crises facing people – record inflation, unaffordable housing, massive energy bills, rising inequality, the climate and nature emergencies, the list goes on. 

“Now after a month of telling us that they’ll unilaterally ignore the Scottish Government and overrule the Scottish Parliament, they’re finally making their first and last appearance north of the Border.

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"Difficult questions should be put to them about their gross economic mismanagement, disregard of the environment and disdain for democracy, and about why they’re not taxing the record profits of the energy giants or investing in renewable energy so we can finally break the link between fossil fuel prices and household bills.

"But ultimately there is no question where the answer is a Tory government.”

Are the contenders appearing anywhere else?

It is understood Truss has organised to visit Aberdeen prior to the Perth hustings at a secret location. A poster has been shared online saying a Tory members' event is set to take place at 2.15pm. She is also going to be appearing in the Inverness area around midday.

Sunak's movements are even murkier, with a rumoured appearance in Inverurie on the cards.