The Prime Minister is set to launch her party’s May 5 campaign in Glasgow’s Southside constituency today. However, when the party issued a trail of embargo in the media yesterday, it did not contain any reference to the time and place of the event, although it was called “campaign launch”. Asked how the press should attend and ask questions to the SNP leader, a spokesman revealed that the party had chosen an inappropriate format and venue. He said: “We are launching the campaign with a cost-of-living visit instead of a formal launch event – it will be in Glasgow and the numbers are limited. “We will have visits throughout the campaign and the publications will have the opportunity to ask questions to the party leader, as well as to the usual channels through SNP Media.” It is understood that only one broadcaster will be present, with the Holyrood newsroom closed. Opposition parties have accused the prime minister of hiding from the media in a “blackout”. The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alex Cole-Hamilton, said: “This is a remarkable display of arrogance and cowardice by the Prime Minister. “It’s more like the control that avoids the antics of Donald Trump than the actions of a leader who satisfies the history of his administration. “Again, if I had spent five years cutting local government budgets, then I probably would not want to face media scrutiny. “Next Wednesday I will launch the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ plan to give new hope to every corner of Scotland and look forward to a full cast by the Scottish press. It is a vital part of our democracy.” Labor MSP Neil Bibby said: “It is not surprising that Nicola Sturgeon is trying to avoid control while confusing her response to the worst cost of living crisis in decades. “This is an indication that this manifesto will be as devoid of ideas as the last 15 years in the SNP government. “It is completely shameless for the SNP to talk about the cost of living crisis, while refusing to use the litany of powers at its disposal to help the Scots. “The truth is that they do not want to be asked questions because they do not have the answers. “We deserve transparency and transparency from our politicians and we need real solutions to the cost of living crisis.” Conservative MSP Miles Briggs added: “It shows how unusual Nicola Sturgeon is that she will not even allow the press to question her at the start of the SNP campaign.” The controversy echoes Alex Salmond’s resignation at Bute House after he lost the 2014 referendum and barred journalists from some pro-Union newspapers.
