Hopefuls force U-turn over hustings 'safe space' blackout

ALL three leadership candidates have backed media access to SNP hustings after it was revealed there would be a blackout for journalists and the general public.

Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf will face off in the first of several hustings today in Cumbernauld in the race to become first minister.

A spokesperson for the party's ruling NEC said yesterday that the nine events were designed to be a "safe space" for members to question candidates, but appeared to ease their position after criticism from opposition parties and statements of support from candidates.