Holyrood 2026: Falkirk West candidates grilled on policies at community hustings

Members of the public had an opportunity to quiz candidates hoping to be elected to Holyrood at next month’s election at an event in Camelon Bowling Club on Tuesday evening. But the would-be MSPs were battling against Falkirk Operatic members rehearsing for their next production in a neighbouring room.

The six candidates – five party members and one independent – all have their eyes set on a seat in the Scottish Parliament.

The hustings was organised in Falkirk West by Camelon, Bantaskin and Tamfourhill community council, the third time they have organised a such an event to give voters the opportunity to hear and then put questions to those looking for political office.

Five of those present are hoping to represent the constituency but Paul McGarry, the Scottish Liberal Democrats candidate in Falkirk East and standing in for the Falkirk West candidate Lucy Smith who was unable to attend due to a work commitment, made it clear that he was eyeing to be a regional MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West as he tops his party’s list.

Candidates introduced themselves to those present at the event then gave a final rallying call, but in between they were questioned on a range of issues, including social care, employment law, funding for councils and immigration.

Paul McGarry said he hoped to be one of the first MSPs who had come through the care system and had experienced being homeless. Recalling how he was sacked from a job on his first day because he lived in a shelter, he said: “I came into politics to help people who are homeless or from deprived backgrounds. I want a fairer society and better opportunities for all. Everyone in our community should have a fair start in life.”

He added that the Lib Dems were a party who believed in federalism and more decisions should be made locally. “I want to be an MSP to work and work with everyone to deliver the change that is needed.”

Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate Neil Benny is currently a councillor in Stirling and told people he wanted to be Falkirk West MSP to “make sure you have opportunities”. He said the message he was getting on doorsteps was that people wanted improved education, health services and infrastructure. “Petrol prices have sky rocketed and these are impacting on everything,”

Mr Benny added that lengthy NHS waiting lists meant Scotland had a two-tier health service with those who could afford it paying for private health care. He said: “Education standards are slipping and where we used to be one of the best in the world that is no longer the case. We need to ensure that there are jobs and opportunities by supporting business – the SNP Scottish government has shown it is anti-business.”

Scottish Labour candidate Paul Godzik told those present that there was a need for change after two decades of the SNP in power at Holyrood. “Scotland’s SNP government is out of time,” he said. “This election is an opportunity to take Scotland in a new direction and go back to getting the basics right. Our NHS is in crisis; the housing emergency is being ignored; the care sector is in chaos; and our local college is facing funding cuts. The question to ask is has Falkirk West improved over the last 20 years?

"I grew up in Denny and Dunipace and I believe many communities across Falkirk West could and should be better. Falkirk needs change … and quickly.”

SNP candidate Gary Bouse is a councillor in Falkirk and he said that since moving to the area 36 years ago the people had been good to him and his family which was why he had entered politics which he described as a “calling not just a job”.

Urging people to vote for him and the SNP, he said: “We need a system where Scotland is first. Yes we need change but that change needs to be taking a different path as an independent country.

Our manifesto promises of capping essential food prices, introducing a £2 bus far cap and everything else we promise would give Falkirk and Scotland a better future with a fresh start.”

Taxi driver Stuart McArthur said he was standing as an independent candidate to be a “proper constituency voice” to residents. He added that having lived locally his entire life he knew and appreciated all the issues affecting people and if elected his particular focus would be on poverty and job cuts.

He said: “Falkirk has become a service sector town with people commuting for work. Young people cannot get on the property ladder and need jobs to be able to get a mortgage.”

Reform UK candidate Richard Fairley said he had got into politics over concerns how his business was being impacted by net zero targets and other legislation, but he also said that he was frustrated when politicians had failed to respond to him and promised if elected he would always reply to constituents.

He added: “I know my opinion is not everyone’s but if you believe this country is taxed too high, net zero is impacting our manufacturing industry and we should be using our oil and gas to fund our services then I am that person to vote for.”

The candidates were asked their views on immigration and in particular, the protests taking place outside the Cladhan Hotel in Falkirk which houses asylum seekers.

Mr McArthur said that he had attended the Kemper Avenue protests but with the counter protesters, adding: “These are people seeking refuge from wars.”

Reform’s Mr Fairley said he had never attended the protests but he believed there was hatred “on both sides with both going too far”.

"Everyone should be welcome in Scotland,” said Mr McGarry, while Mr Benny said the protests had “given a focus on Falkirk that was shameful”.

Mr Godzik said the current immigration system is “an utter mess”, adding his own grandfather had come to this area aged 17, speaking not a word of English and had been warmly welcomed.

While Mr Bouse said he had never attended the protests at the Cladhan, he had been to a Forth Valley Palestine Solidarity Network event in Camelon’s Sensory Centre where a police escort was needed to get in and out of the building due to protesters.

The candidates were thanked for attending by Mark Stevenson, community council chair, with the residents invited to attend its next meeting in Carmuirs Primary School on Tuesday, April 28 at 7pm.