THE battle to become the SNP’s candidate in Edinburgh Central has become increasingly bitter, with the party’s former Westminster leader accused of making an 'inaccurate claim' about one of his rivals.

It follows a row on campaign finance, with former minister, Marco Biagi raising concerns over how much money Angus Robertson was spending on his bid to win support from local members.

The two men and local activist Lee-Anne Meznies are all vying for the prize of representing the party in a marginal seat currently held by outgoing Holyrood Tory leader Ruth Davidson

The coronavirus pandemic has forced hopefuls to ditch the normal face-to-face approach to canvassing, relying almost solely on reaching members digitally.

On Monday, Biagi said a lack of spending cap in internal races had allowed his rival to spend “unlimited” sums on Facebook adverts.

Robertson has spent between £1,000 and £,1500 on Facebook adverts since July.

Biagi, who was the MSP for Edinburgh Central from 2011 to 2016 before stepping down, has suggested £100 should be the maximum allowed to be spent on an internal race.

Yesterday, a spokesperson for Robertson defended his online advertising spend, saying it was a “legitimate, permissible and effective way” of getting the message out.

The told Holyrood magazine: “SNP selection candidates are pretty much limited to online campaigning, which is why digital marketing is so important.

“Marco and Angus, as well as a range of SNP representatives, use online advertising as a legitimate, permissible and effective way to get their message out.

“Whether we like it or not, fundraising is an important part of modern campaigning.”

The spokesperson added: “Marco’s call for a £100 spending limit is completely unrealistic, which is why he himself has already commissioned four times that amount in Facebook advertising.  “ 

That, Biaggi said, was a lie. Taking to Twitter, he pointed out that he’s only spent around £115 on social media adverts. 

He called for an apology: “It's come to my attention that there is an inaccurate claim about me from a ‘spokesperson for Robertson’ in @HolyroodDaily. This is a direct attack on me that is false and misleading. I hope it is withdrawn by @AngusRobertson and I would appreciate an apology for the insinuation.

“In spending as he has Angus is only doing what rules permit. My criticism has been very deliberately focused solely on those rules. I'd expect any candidate with the financial resources to do the same as him unless rules are changed. It is the rules that are in the wrong.

“If NEC doesn't then I will have to consider whether, to ensure a fair contest, I seek to raise funds to compete in this way. That would be my absolute last choice because SNP money should be spent unseating unionists, not fighting amongst ourselves. I hope NEC acts.

“I should also add there's a totally legitimate contribution to debate here. I want to see new rules to end unlimited spending, Angus's views are on record now too. It's healthy for internal party democracy to let members see our perspectives.

Lee-Anne Mezie, who is also seeking selection for Edinburgh Central, warned against turning politics into “a race between those with funds” saying she simply could not afford to “spend a single penny on this campaign”.

She said: “Equality of access is at the heart of the Scot gov policies. It’s what sets Scotland apart. So, as the third wheel in this two horse race, let me say why we need equality of access on this;I work two jobs. Have little disposable income. Normal woman.

“For the Parliament to reflect us all, we should all have a chance to enter the campaign for election. When you are set back from the start, what chance do you actually have?”

“Whoever is the candidate for @EdinCentralSNP they will be an excellent addition to the Scottish Parliament. The quality of candidate is such that they shouldn’t need to spend huge amounts on an internal campaign. That money would be better spent in our campaign in 2021,” she added.

Robertson has been approached for a comment.