Ash Regan, Alba Holyrood leader, commented on reports of banning media from the upcoming Alba leadership election: “As a leadership candidate, I have recused myself from any involvement in the contest arrangements, so I am unaware of any plans to ban media. I asked the SNP to allow media into the 2023 leadership contest, and they did. I would implore those organising the Alba contest to allow media in, as politics should be conducted in glass boxes to rebuild public trust, not kept behind brick walls.
“I look forward to a constructive exchange of views with all candidates in the forthcoming leadership in the Alba contest and welcome the press interest in both the Alba media debate and member hustings. Our party must relish the opportunity to open the doors to showcase robust, respectful debate of ideas to our members and the electorate in the run-up to the critical 2026 Holyrood election.”