NICOLA Sturgeon stunned BBC Scotland’s political editor during last night’s final Leaders’ Debate as she called on him to put on a “proper debate”.

Glenn Campbell had asked party leaders to raise their hands if they had no fixed plans to put up income tax over the next parliament.

As Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie went to explain his party’s stance, he was told raising a hand alone was sufficient.

The National:

The SNP leader interrupted: “Come on!”

A surprised Campbell replied: “Eh?”

Sturgeon went on: “Hands up? Can we not have a proper debate?

“These are complex issues Glenn, I mean it’s a bit more complicated than hands up and hands down. Let’s talk about it.”

She added: “Why don’t you ask us how we’re going to fund our manifestoes?”

The BBC host replied: “I’ll tell you what. I get to ask the questions and hopefully you’ll do the answers. Let’s start with you, because you’re very keen to talk on this one.”

Sturgeon explained the SNP believe that tax stability is key to the Covid-19 recovery.

However the First Minister went on to explain that there is a need for flexibility towards taxation in the case of “unforeseen circumstances”. Asked what she meant by this, the SNP leader said: “Well, they’re unforeseen.”

Pressed again, she said if the Westminster Government slashes its budget beyond what is expected there could potentially be a need to change taxation.

Last night’s debate saw the party leaders make their final pitches to the electorate ahead of tomorrow’s vote.

The National:

The TV showdown, broadcast on BBC Scotland, saw the leaders of the five largest parties debate issues ranging from coronavirus to the care system and taxation.

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said his party wants to bring taxes in Scotland into line with the rest of the UK, but claims this would only happen towards the end of the parliamentary term, if the economic outlook allows.

“I am not saying this is a cast-iron commitment,” the Tory said.

“But our pledge is to seek parity in the tax system, for 1.1 million people in Scotland who are taxed more for doing the exact same job than they are in the rest of the United Kingdom.”

Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar, who has also said he is against a tax rise but would want to see such a move for those earning at least £150,000 per year in the first instance, accused the Tory leader of wanting to give himself a tax cut – to Ross’ protestations.

READ MORE: Election: Tory MSPs would benefit by around £40k in tax cuts under manifesto plans

“What Douglas is trying to say… is he would give himself a tax cut rather than people across the country.”

“You want to give yourself a tax cut for perhaps all three salaries you want to earn,” Sarwar told him.

Ross is already an MP, and is seeking to become an MSP, as well as being the leader of the Scottish Tories. He is also a part-time linesman.

READ MORE DEBATE ANALYSIS