As part of our anti-austerity programme, WAAAGH! have looked at inequality in our society. We’d now like to hear from all the political parties in the 2016 Scottish Parliament Election what they intend to do in order to create a more equal, better society in Scotland.

The hustings will be chaired by Juiet Swann, who has extensive experience of campaigning for better democracy and an excellent working knowledge of the parliamentary system (previously worked for the Electoral Reform Society and Citizen’s Advice Scotland). The four constituency candidates (three from North East Fife Constituency and one from Glenrothes) who have agreed to attend, have made the following short statements.

Candidate Statements (in alphabetical order by surname):

Roderick Campbell MSP (Scottish National Party) “I am looking forward to WAAAGH!'s hustings in April. This group is the embodiment of grassroots activism and their attempt to raise the profile of equality issues is commendable. Hopefully their hustings event will help people recognise the challenges we face, at a time when the UK Government continues to slash budgets and assistance to those who need it most. The SNP will always stand up for, and provide help to, those who need it most.”

Rosalind Garton (Labour Party Candidate) "Scottish Labour is the party of working people in Scotland, fighting for equality and fairness. As the local candidate who both lives and works in the constituency, Rosalind Garton is deeply concerned about housing, social care, education and jobs in NE Fife."

Bill Mair (Solidarity) "Solidarity has a vision of an independent, nuclear weapon-free Socialist republic of Scotland. We are committed to fighting for the working class. We believe the rich should get poorer and the poor richer. Perhaps our key policy is the Scottish Service Tax (SST), an income-based replacement for the unfair and regressive council tax, which Tommy Sheridan presented as a Private Member's Bill to the Scottish Parliament in 2006."

Willie Rennie MSP (Scottish Liberal Democrats) “This debate looks set to be a great event and I’m looking forward it. I’d encourage everyone to join in the discussion about who is best to be our next MSP.”

Alex Stewart Clark (Conservative and Unionist Party) “Unity, community & family, the Scottish Conservatives are the only party to have consistently promoted these policies. Come to WAAAGH Hustings to hear how the only Unionist party left can make Scotland a better society.”

We also expect a number of Mid Scotland and Fife List Candidates to be in attendance.

After an introduction from the Chairperson, each of the constituency candidates will make a 2 minute statement to introduce themselves, say why they are standing as a candidate and the relative importance of ‘equality' in that decision. We’ll then have approximately 1 hour of questions from the audience. (These may be, but don’t have to be, submitted in advance. Prior receipt of written questions - either by email or on the night - will allow the chairperson to theme them). After the Question and Answer session, each candidate will then be allowed two minutes for a closing statement.

NB Doors open at 6.30pm for stalls and a 'Conversation Cafe' (hot and cold drinks with snacks), at which Political Parties and voluntary organisations may exhibit promotional material.

Please advise as soon as possibe if you have any special needs.

Cover image courtesy of Robb Mcrae