Scottish party leaders set for STV General Election debate 

STV hosts the first televised debate of this year’s UK General Election campaign on Monday evening.

First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton will participate in the 90-minute debate, which airs from 9pm to 10.30pm.

The STV Leaders’ Debate will see STV political editor Colin Mackay grilling the leaders of Scotland’s four main political parties.

Mackay will question each leader at STV’s Pacific Quay headquarters in Glasgow before they cross-examine each other.

Following the debate, Scotland Tonight presenter Rona Dougall will be joined by a panel of guests to provide instant reaction and analysis.

The STV Leaders’ Debate is the first of two televised debates airing on STV this week. A head-to-head between Rishi Sunak, leader of the Conservative Party, and Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, will follow at 9pm on Tuesday

Linda Grimes Douglas, head of news and current affairs at STV, said: “Ahead of major votes like the forthcoming General Election, we know many viewers value having the opportunity to hear political leaders set out their plans for the country and debate the issues that matter most to the electorate.

“STV is pleased to be broadcasting the first leaders’ debate of the election campaign. An in-depth and robust head-to-head, it will likely set the agenda for the coming weeks in Scotland.”