John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Russell Findlay, Ross Greer, Alex Cole-Hamilton and Malcolm Offord squared off at the final TV debate of the Holyrood election.
The STV Leaders Debate was on for two full hours on Tuesday night(Image: Stewart Attwood/STV)
With nine days to go until the Holyrood election, opinion polls show the SNP on course for a record fifth term.
Tonight’s STV debate at the Signet Library in Edinburgh – featuring the six party leaders – was one of the final chances for the political parties to make an impression with a significant number of voters.
The debate was moderated by STV’s Colin Mackay and there were plenty of fireworks, particularly when the leaders questioned each other.
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon watched the debate and here is how he rated the six leaders who want to lead the country.
John Swinney (SNP)
John Swinney
The First Minister’s aim was not to mess up on live TV and he achieved his ambition.
Rivals pounded him on the NHS and the cost of living crisis, but he never looked like hitting the floor.
He enjoyed himself after months of facing questions from rivals at Holyrood.
3/5Anas Sarwar (Scottish Labour)
Anas Sarwar(Image: PA)
Sarwar needed a strong showing given his party is significantly behind the SNP in the polls.
He urged Malcolm Offord to “look in the mirror” over his divisive election campaign and challenged Swinney on the death of tragic 10 year old Milly Main at a scandal-hit hospital.
He had a good night.
3/5Russell Findlay (Scottish Tories)
Russell Findlay
Findlay delivered his lines on opposing independence in his usual robust style, but he had no election-changing moment.
His previous support for Tory zoomer Liz Truss was also thrown back in his face.
He gave the appearance of a man who knows he will not be leader for much longer.
2/5Alex Cole-Hamilton (Scottish Lib Dems)
Alex Cole-Hamilton
The Scottish Lib Dem leader can appear repetitive at times, but he put in his best debate performance of the campaign.
Confronting Malcolm Offord over Nigel Farage’s criticism of the hand gun ban in the wake of the Dunblane tragedy was his best moment.
He was also strong on holding John Swinney to account over the ferries scandal.
3/5Ross Greer (Scottish Greens)
Scottish Green Party co-leader Ross Greer
Greer is not everyone’s cup of tea, but he was handed a gift by Malcolm Offord when the Reform leader showed off about his wealth.
He also mocked the Scottish Tory leader over his subterranean poll rating and previous support for Liz Truss.
Greer will be an influential figure after May 7th.
3/5Malcolm Offord (Reform)
Lord Malcolm Offord (Image: Callum Moffat / Daily Record)
Reform’s leader in Scotland was pulled up about racism and thuggery in his party, as well as his previous support for Donald Trump.
His car crash moment was an inexplicable boast about having six homes and five cars during a cost of living crisis, which his rivals will use against him until polling day.
A terrible night.
1/5