Latest news with #SNP-led
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Tommy Sheridan says he is 'victimised' by Glasgow council
The Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership informed Tommy that due to his 2011 perjury conviction and prison sentence, all future applications for employment would be denied, according to the BBC. He has challenged this decision at Scotland's highest civil court, the Court of Session. Tommy told BBC Scotland News that his gender critical views on trans rights were a factor in the decision by the SNP-run council. READ MORE: Tommy Sheridan refused social work job due to 'unacceptable risk', court hears Sheridan, who completed a master's degree in social work at Glasgow Caledonian University, told BBC Scotland that he had "no doubt whatsoever" that he was being blacklisted by the council. He said that this is because of his socialist background and his views on transgender issues, which he says conflict with those of the SNP-led council. He said: "I don't think it chimes with the spirit of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act to hold against someone a 15-year-old conviction. "Particularly when I've already had to go through a vetting process, a very stiff vetting process from the body that was set up to regulate social care." Sheridan maintains that his "lived experience", including time in prison, makes him particularly suited to working in criminal justice youth social work. He said: "I come from a very working-class background, brought up in a housing scheme, having been in and around jails for the best part of 20-odd years. "I have intimate knowledge of the processes, challenges, and what prison is really like." (Image: Newsquest) He also claimed his gender-critical beliefs—such as rejecting self-identification in favour of biological definitions—played a role in the decision: "I think being a socialist is always difficult for some of the SNP councillors, but I think the biggest area would be my gender critical views. "I don't share the SNP's position that someone can declare that they're a man or a woman. I believe in biology, I believe in science, and so does the law now. "It's very unusual that the Supreme Court agrees with me, but there you go. I agree with the Supreme Court. "Now, those are gender critical views that Glasgow City Council SNP group don't agree with. So I've got no doubt in my mind that that's part of the package." Sheridan's case is currently under consideration at the Court of Session, after he received a rejection letter in August 2024. The court heard that Glasgow City Council deemed his past conviction an 'unacceptable level of risk' for a social work role. His lawyer argued the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)—the body responsible for regulating the profession—had already approved him as a suitable candidate, making the council's position unlawful. In response, the council's legal representative, Paul Reid KC, maintained the decision was within the local authority's rights as an employment matter and therefore not subject to judicial review. Lord Young is expected to deliver a ruling in due course. READ MORE: Tommy Sheridan to pursue legal action against Scottish council Sheridan has announced plans to return to frontline politics, seeking selection as a candidate for the Alba Party in the next Scottish Parliament elections. He added: "Why don't I go back into politics and start using the skills I have to communicate, to advocate, to try and promote independence. "But also to rage against some of the injustices in our world just now, of which there are far too many." Sheridan rose to prominence as an anti-Poll Tax campaigner, later becoming an MSP in 1999 for the Scottish Socialist Party, which he led during its peak years. He was imprisoned in 2011 after being convicted of perjury related to a defamation case against the News of the World. A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: 'It is untrue to say that Mr Sheridan's views on trans rights had any bearing on this matter whatsoever. "The hiring process is purely operational, and elected members play no role in selecting candidates for this kind of role. "Furthermore, these assertions did not form any part of Mr Sheridan's case in court.'
Glasgow Times
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
'We strengthen Glasgow every time we invest in our communities'
This centre has been at the heart of the Ruchill community for years. It has hosted youth clubs, parent and toddler sessions, and much more. It wasn't just a building – it was a space where neighbours came together, isolation was tackled, and opportunities were created. Local people were led to believe the centre had a future. In May, the SNP City Administration proposed closing the centre permanently – despite those earlier commitments. The building has been closed since 2020. Local campaigners – including Ruchill Community Council – worked tirelessly to make their voices heard. Backed by Glasgow Labour councillors, their efforts forced the administration to delay their closure plans. But this shouldn't have happened in the first place. Ruchill is not alone. Across Glasgow, vital community facilities are being lost or left to deteriorate. From Possil to Pollok, facilities that once served communities are being shuttered, mothballed, or handed over without proper support. These aren't just administrative decisions – they are political choices, the costs of which are borne by people who rely on these spaces for connection, support, and resilience. When community centres close, we lose more than just bricks and mortar. We lose the after-school clubs keeping children safe, mental health support groups, and clubs combating loneliness. These centres are a lifeline – and it is shameful that they are being treated as expendable. Glasgow Labour will continue to stand alongside communities like Ruchill and call for both more funding from the SNP Scottish Government and political will and creative solutions from the council. In conjunction with the local community, Glasgow Labour successfully forced the SNP-led administration to defer the closure decision, but our work isn't done. We're calling for a clear, despite promises, and also upon the Scottish Government to allocate what Glasgow needs to ensure we maintain our community infrastructure. The people of Ruchill deserve better. Glasgow's communities deserve better. It's time that we valued communities. Because when we invest in communities, we don't just save buildings – we strengthen the very fabric of our city.
ITV News
03-06-2025
- Business
- ITV News
SNP group on D&G Council say they have officially called for a vote of no confidence
The SNP group on Dumfries and Galloway Council say they have officially called for a vote of no confidence in the leadership. It comes after seven Conservative councillors left the party, making the SNP the biggest group. Councillor Gail MacGregor has been the leader of the Conservative administration since 2023, when an SNP-led rainbow coalition collapsed. SNP group business manager Councillor Katie Hagmann told ITV Border her party had submitted a no confidence motion that has received cross party support. The vote is expected to take place at a special full council meeting in the coming days. In February, councillors voted through the opposition SNP budget. Councillor Katie Hagmann said the administration was in 'disarray.' She added: 'We have submitted a motion of no confidence in the current administration. There is likely to be an announcement of a full council meeting and we are calling for the removal of the convener and the deputy convener, which is also the leader of Dumfries and Galloway council. "It is not acceptable the way that the administration is acting and the SNP group are the biggest group within the whole of the council and this is an snp budget that's been passed. "We've got business to do, we've got to deliver for the people of Dumfries and Galloway and we're determined to do that." The Conservative rebels have formed two separate groups. Councillors Andrew Giusti, Chrissie Hill, David Inglis and Richard Marsh have formed a new group called Novantae. The three other councillors Ian Carruthers, Karen Carruthers and Andrew Wood, have formed a separate independent group. A spokesperson for the Scottish Conservatives said: 'We wish them well.' The rebellion means that the Conservative group shrinks from 16 to nine and raises questions over the viability of the current administration. The political make-up of the council is now: 11 SNP members; nine Scottish Conservatives; eight Scottish Labour; one Scottish Liberal Democrat; 14 independent / other. A spokesperson for Dumfries and Galloway Council said: 'Dumfries and Galloway Council can confirm that seven councillors have resigned from the Conservative group. The council's website has been updated. 'Four of the councillors have formed a new political group called Novantae – councillors Richard Marsh, Chrissie Hill, Andrew Giusti and David Inglis. 'Three of the councillors have informed council officers that they have set up a separate group and they intend to call it The Dumfries and Galloway Independent Group. These are councillors Ian Carruthers, Karen Carruthers and Andrew Wood. 'The council will not be commenting further at this time.'
The Herald Scotland
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
85% of Aberdeen traders rejected for LEZ retrofit scheme
However, of the 26 businesses who applied for aid, just four were approved. The figures come amidst rising anger over traffic regulations in the city. A legal challenge against the SNP-led council's bus gates is poised to be heard next month, after local residents and business owners raised more than £65,000 to fund the effort. The LEZ and bus gates have sparked anger in Aberdeen. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Scottish Conservative MSP for North East Scotland Liam Kerr said the sums were evidence of the government's 'pitiful' stance towards businesses affected by the restrictions. In response, Transport Scotland said that the majority of applicants did not meet the necessary criteria for funding. Kerr said: 'Several businesses have already closed since the LEZs went live in Aberdeen, while others are on the brink of their livelihoods being decimated by this draconian scheme. 'Many are relocating their premises or simply avoiding these parts of Aberdeen because the SNP-Lib Dem council have demonised them from coming into our city centre. The Tory MSP added: 'Yet the woeful number of grants issued by the LEZ Retrofit Fund shows the Scottish Government has also shut the door on Aberdeen's business community. 'Rather than punishing motorists, the SNP government, with the council, should focus more on working constructively with businesses to help renew confidence and deliver economic growth.' Kerr submitted a written question in Holyrood to Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop on 21 May. He asked: 'How much of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) Retrofit Fund has been allocated to be used for businesses in Aberdeen's LEZ since its introduction, and how much of that allocation was distributed to businesses?' Hyslop responded: '26 applications for this funding have been received from businesses in the Aberdeen area. The majority of applications were rejected due to applicants not meeting the eligibility requirements. 'Four applicants were eligible and offered funding, however only two accepted these offers. The amount received by these businesses to support retrofitting of vehicles to meet LEZ standards was £14,066 in total.' Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop (Image: PA/Jane Barlow).Hyslop noted that 'over 98%' of vehicles that upgraded using the scheme were taxis, and most were based in Edinburgh and Glasgow. She added: 'Lower demand retrofit funding in Aberdeen may be attributed to a combination of local taxi licencing conditions and vehicle eligibility, combined with an LEZ exemption for taxis in the city.' According to Transport Scotland, there are a number of requirements which must be met in order for businesses to qualify for financial assistance. First, funds are only available for 'micro businesses and sole traders'. A 'micro-business' is defined as firms that report a turnover of less than £632,000 or a balance sheet of £316,000 or retain nine or fewer full-time employees. Furthermore, the applying business must not have received any other retrofit grants, must have been operational for at least 12 months, must not be registered to reclaim VAT, and must hold a UK business bank account. Glasgow's LEZ has been live since June 2023. (Image: Image taken by Newsquest staff) Several businesses in Aberdeen have blamed traffic regulations for the failure of their firms. Whisky bar CASC, located on the city's Stirling Street, shut in December 2024. Owners Bill and Paul West said at the time: 'The final nail in the coffin was the utterly ridiculous LEZs/bus gates, and the seemingly never-ending construction around the city turning the centre into a no-go zone for many.' The Herald previously reported how taxi drivers in Glasgow struggled to enhance their vehicles after one of the only firms equipped to carry out the necessary repairs suddenly went bust last summer. At the time, 225 taxis were on the road under a temporary exemption while retrofitting was being carried out. In January 2025, Labour MSP Pam Duncan Glancy raised the issue in Holyrood, telling Hyslop: 'Taxi drivers in Glasgow are keen to play their part in the transition to net zero, but at present they struggle to access some support to comply with the low-emission zone in the city.' Read more: Glasgow drivers racked up £1.7m in LEZ fines since 2023, figures show 'Hypocrisy': One third of Glasgow City Council vehicles don't comply with LEZ rules 'Kick in the teeth': Lost Glasgow LEZ court case costs campaigners £130,000 A recent Freedom of Information Request submitted by The Herald found that Glasgow's drivers have been fined around £1.7m since the LEZ scheme two years ago. Likewise, in Aberdeen, drivers have been fined more than £3m since June 2024. A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: 'Eligibility criteria for the LEZ Support Fund is set to ensure funding is available for those most in need of support to adapt to Low Emission Zones. 'The majority of rejected applicants in Aberdeen did not meet the microbusiness/sole trader criteria, were registered to reclaim VAT, or did not provide the required evidence for eligibility. Four applications were rejected as no retrofit solution was available for the selected vehicle. 'Additional factors such as the local licensing of taxis in cities like Aberdeen has meant there was less need for retro-fitting due to lower numbers of non LEZ compliant vehicles, in addition Aberdeen has granted exemptions for wheelchair accessible vehicles which will likely have further reduced grant applications'.
The Courier
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
New council power team to hold on to £1m SNP fighting fund for Angus rebuild
Ousted SNP councillors say they will be 'watching closely' how a million-pound fund to rebuild Angus is used by the group which dumped them from power. The £1 million Angus infrastructure fund was revealed when the council set its budget in February. It was a surprise announcement by the then SNP-led administration. And the fund was the key difference between its budget and opposition proposals. Ex-leader Bill Duff planned to use it to unlock around £20m of extra borrowing capacity. He said it would 'restore basic infrastructure that has suffered from underinvestment and climate-related damage for some time.' Rebuilding Brechin after Storm Babet and combating the threat of coastal erosion at Montrose were given as examples. But it proved to be the SNP's last big move before they lost control of Angus Council. A new multi-party coalition grabbed power in April after securing a vote of no confidence in the ruling group. It is led by one-time stand-in SNP chief George Meechan and Arbroath Conservative Derek Wann. Kirriemuir councillor Mr Meechan confirmed the seven-figure fund will stay in the spending plans. 'The administration group have no plans to change the overall concept of the infrastructure fund,' he said. Former leader Mr Duff said: 'I very much welcome that the incoming administration recognise the value of the innovative infrastructure fund introduced in February's budget by the SNP/Independent administration. 'This offers over £20m of additional capital resource. 'This initial investment will start to address Angus's serious infrastructure requirements. 'Specifically, we were very conscious of the need to spend capital on dealing with the aftermath of Storm Babet and the reconstruction required in Brechin, and the impacts of coastal erosion in Montrose, both impacts of global warming. 'As the public will know, neither the then opposition budget nor the non-aligned budget addressed these two critical issues.' 'We will be watching carefully how this fund is used.'
