Swinney skipping TV debate to avoid it being ‘group of blokes talking politics’

A “group of blokes sitting around talking politics” would “not be a good look”, John Swinney has said as he defended his decision not to appear on a flagship BBC programme.

The First Minister has faced accusations he is “running scared” of other leaders after he announced Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan would appear in his place on Question Time in Aberdeen on Thursday.

The party said the issue was caused by a lack of female representation on the panel – a situation which has raised numerous times during the election campaign.

Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay is the only woman currently in a leadership role in Scottish politics.

Ms McAllan is seen as a rising star in the SNP and is likely to be a top contender for the deputy first minister job vacated by Kate Forbes should the party be re-elected into government.

Speaking to the Press Association at a campaign event in Edinburgh on Wednesday, Mr Swinney said: “I think it’s important that all the talent of political parties is able to be viewed by members of the public.

“I’ve taken part in a number of debates, I’ll be taking part in other debates.”

He added: “The sight of six blokes sitting at a table talking about politics, I don’t think is a great look in politics.

“I’ve taken the decision that Mairi McAllan will be representing the SNP at the Question Time discussion on Thursday – she’s just one example of the immense talent that’s available in the Scottish National Party, and I look forward to her contribution to the debate.”

The First Minister went on to say “I don’t need to be at every single” leadership debate.

Each of the other parties are sending their leader to take part in the flagship BBC discussion show, which will focus on the Holyrood election on May 7.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie accused the First Minister of “running scared” of her party’s leader Anas Sarwar.

“It’s no wonder John Swinney doesn’t want to answer questions from the public on his Government’s record when the NHS is at breaking point, schools are declining, crime is rising and the basics don’t work,” she said.

“While John Swinney goes into hiding, Anas Sarwar will be setting out Scottish Labour’s plans to fix the SNP’s mess, get the basics right and deliver a better future for Scotland.”