A DEBATE between the three SNP leadership contenders is to be hosted by Times Radio this week.
Ash Regan, Kate Forbes and Humza Yousaf will face off in Edinburgh in front of a live audience of more than 40 people with the debate set to be live-streamed online.
There are just a few days left until the ballot closes so all three contenders will be keen to scoop up last-minute votes.
Presenter Aasmah Mir said: “In a race to replace Nicola Sturgeon as party leader and become the next First Minister of Scotland, audiences are looking for more answers on the huge issues that will affect every single person in the country.
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"My aim on Tuesday is to get these answers, call out policies that don’t add up, and examine their experiences and views as they fight it out to win the party’s vote."
When is it?
The debate will take place at 8pm on Tuesday, March 21.
It will be followed by a programme of reaction and analysis from 9pm to 10pm.
How can I watch/listen?
Mir will present the hour-long debate and people will be able to tune in on the Times Radio YouTube channel.
Times Radio is also available on DAB radio, online and via the free Times Radio app.
What are the big issues?
In recent days there has been a row over the reporting of SNP membership numbers, which eventually led to the resignation of chief executive Peter Murrell.
It was admitted that the media was given false information about the number of members who had left the party in recent years.
An article that the SNP lost 30,000 members was dismissed by party HQ but after leadership contenders requested the full figures, the SNP later admitted the number was accurate.
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Regan could be quizzed on her argument that members should be able to change their vote if they want to in light of the recent fallout.
Interim chief executive Mike Russell described the party as being in a "tremendous mess" but outgoing FM Nicola Sturgeon denied this. She did, however, say the contest had been "less than edifying".
We can also expect candidates to be grilled on their plans for independence and tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
Other matters that have come up in previous TV debates include the monarchy, Europe, and where candidates stand on social issues like conversion practices and gender reform.
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The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
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