Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “thrilled” that her Edinburgh Fringe appearance had sold more tickets than a show featuring former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The comparison highlights the political interest surrounding both figures at the festival, where public discussions and interviews form part of the programme.

Badenoch was due to appear in Edinburgh with broadcaster Iain Dale, while Sturgeon was scheduled to be interviewed by historian and presenter Tessa Dunlop. The report presents the ticket comparison as a light-hearted political rivalry rather than a measure of either politician’s wider support.