Scottish election leaders debate on STV

Party leaders vying to be Scotland’s next first minister will be grilled by each other during a special debate programme on STV tonight.

The Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Greens, Scottish Labour, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party and Reform UK will face off on Tuesday night – just nine days before voters go to the polls.

The STV Leaders’ Debate will be broadcast live from Edinburgh’s Signet Library on STV, STV Player and Youtube.

The debate will be moderated by STV’s political editor Colin Mackay, with Scotland Tonight’s Rona Dougall and Westminster correspondent Lucy Dunn in the spin room.

STV News

The party leaders are expected to field questions on the biggest issues dominating the 2026 Holyrood election.

The STV Leaders’ Debate follows a series of one-to-one interviews aired throughout the election campaign.

Politics

‘I’m in it to win it’: Reform UK Scotland leader vows to become First Minister

Malcolm Offord says he has ‘the vision and the capability’ to lead the country.

Politics

‘We’ve got the beating of the SNP at this election’, says Cole-Hamilton

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader tells Scotland Tonight that his party can defeat the SNP in ten constituencies

Politics

Anas Sarwar stands by call for Keir Starmer to resign as PM

The Scottish Labour leader told Scotland Tonight the Prime Minister will not be part of his party’s Holyrood campaign

Politics

Benefits system being ‘abused on an industrial scale’, says Findlay

The Scottish Tory leader said he wanted to cut income tax funded by introducing restrictions on adult mental health benefit claims

Politics

Non-violent criminals should not be sent to prison, says Greens co-leader

Ross Greer said he believes the current prison system doesn’t work and community sentences would reduce reoffending

The STV Leaders’ Debate will air live on STV, STV Player and YouTube at 7pm on Tuesday, April 28.

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