Party leaders go head-to-head in STV’s live election debate

Scotland’s leading political party leaders are going head-to-head in a televised debate live on STV on Tuesday night.

Patrick Harvie (co-leader of the Scottish Green Party), Willie Rennie (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Douglas Ross (Scottish Conservatives), Anas Sarwar (Scottish Labour) and Nicola Sturgeon (Scottish National Party) are being pressed on the big issues between 7.30pm and 9pm.

Hosted by STV political editor Colin Mackay, the debate is beginning with opening statements from each party leader, followed by initial discussion, cross-examination between the leaders and closing statements.

The show – which will also air on the STV Player – is then being followed by reaction and analysis on Scotland Tonight at 10.40pm.

Voters in Scotland will go to the polls to decide the make-up of the next Scottish Parliament on Thursday, May 6.

There will be no overnight count at this election due to the coronavirus pandemic, with a result instead expected over the weekend May 7-9.

Scotland’s leading political party leaders are making their final preparations ahead of a live debate on STV tonight. https://t.co/A8MWUSPB7z pic.twitter.com/jUaSP1bVYM
— STV News (@STVNews) April 13, 2021

How is STV covering the election?

Scotland Tonight specials

Colin Mackay has been carrying out one-to-one leaders’ interviews, which are also available for catch-up on the STV Player.

STV News election special

This show will air between 4-7pm and 8pm-8.30pm on Friday, May 7, bringing viewers the first results as they come in.

The programme will be presented by John MacKay outside Holyrood, with STV special correspondent Bernard Ponsonby and Rona Dougall analysing the numbers at STV’s results studio in Glasgow – bringing viewers the story as it unfolds and key declarations as they happen live on air.

STV reporters will be at voting counts across the country, feeding in live to the programme.

An additional special will air on Saturday, May 8 from 4.30-6.30pm, covering the results being declared as the new parliament begins to take shape.

STV News at Six

Coverage continues on STV’s nightly news programme, with Kathryn Samson travelling to communities across the country in her Covid-secure ‘bubble’, inviting viewers to share views on all the political developments of the day.

Online

The STV News website will offer comprehensive, up-to-the-minute coverage including leader interviews, expert insights from STV’s political team, rolling results coverage as the counts declare and detailed analysis once the outcome is known.

Reporting will be available on the STV News website, apps and social media platforms.