Wanderlust

Tag: scottish national party (snp)

  • Jeane Freeman named Scotland’s Baby-Kisser of the 12 Months

    Jeane Freeman Image copyright Getty Photographs

    Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has been named Scotland’s Baby-Kisser of the 12 Months.

    The one-time communist and adviser to former first minister Jack McConnell was given the award simply 5 months into her role by way of the Bring In newspaper.

    Ms Freeman saw off festival from fellow SNP cupboard member Mike Russell and Scottish Conservative chief Ruth Davidson to win the title.

    Mental health campaigner Gillian Murray was once named Campaigner of the Yr.

    Her paintings helped protected a evaluation of care services and products introduced via NHS Tayside following the dying of her uncle David Ramsay through suicide in 2016.

    Image copyright Getty Pictures Image caption Jeane Freeman made changes within weeks of being promoted to Nicola Sturgeon’s Cupboard Image caption Gillian Murray campaigned for a public inquiry into psychological health products and services in NHS Tayside

    She also announced NHS board money owed were being written off as a part of the creation of a new medium-term monetary framework.

    Speaking after being given the prize at an awards rite at Edinburgh’s Prestonfield Space Hotel, Ms Freeman mentioned: “I Have come a long way from being a scholar communist, haven’t I, and it was once a fine self-discipline to be told.

    “considered one of the things you be informed while you transfer on from that discipline is the point of politics is to make a distinction, and the make a distinction you may have to get elected.”

    She introduced: “the purpose of politics is to make a distinction, that’s why we do it. We is not going to do it to be any individual, we should always do it to do something.”

    Marathon sessions

    Labour’s Glasgow North East MP Paul Sweeney gained Absolute Best Scot at Westminster, partially in reputation for his lobbying of the uk executive in immigration circumstances comparable to that of Giorgi Kakava, a ten-12 months-antique orphan who were threatened with deportation following the death of his mother.

    While Mr Russell misplaced out at the best prize, he used to be named because the Donald Dewar Debater of the Year after spending much of his closing 12 months taking on the Tories over Brexit.

    Image copyright Getty Pictures Symbol caption Anas Sarwar was once named Neighborhood MSP of the 12 Months for his efforts to take on on a regular basis Islamophobia

    In The Meantime former minister Bruce Crawford was honoured as the Committee MSP of the Yr after the finance and constitution committee he chairs sat thru marathon sessions scrutinising the Scottish govt’s Brexit continuity bill.

    Effective use of Twitter

    Kate Forbes, who used to be made Digital Economic System Minister was named because the One To Observe following each her promotion to the government and her campaigning efforts to try to finish the use of plastic drinking straws.

    Efforts to tackle the problem of on a regular basis Islamophobia by way of Labour MSP Anas Sarwar saw him receive the award for Neighborhood MSP of the 12 Months, with Mr Sarwar having arrange a pass celebration staff at Holyrood as a part of this work.

    In The Meantime, Tory finance spokesman Murdo Fraser was once given the Politics in Industry Award, and Ms Sturgeon was once provided the E-Flesh Presser of the Yr for her efficient use of Twitter, and Dundee Town Council leader John Alexander was named Scottish Local Baby-Kisser of the Year.

  • Alex Salmond resigns from SNP: Observation in complete

    Alex Salmond has resigned from the SNP Symbol copyright PA Image caption Mr Salmond stated he supposed to apply to rejoin the SNP once he had an opportunity to transparent his name

    Alex Salmond, Scotland’s former first minister and ex-SNP leader, has resigned from the celebration following sexual misconduct claims, which he denies.

    He introduced he was once quitting in a video posted on social media on Wednesday evening.

    Here is his statement in full:

    “i have been a member of the Scottish National Party for 45 years, 20 of them as party leader and seven as First Minister of Scotland.

    “I Hope i have done the celebration and the broader explanation for independence a few carrier.

    Image copyright PA Image caption Alex Salmond campaigning for an SNP candidate in Edinburgh

    “However, I did not come into politics to facilitate competition attacks at the SNP and, with Parliament returning next week, i’ve tendered my resignation to take away this line of competition attack.

    “Such A Lot of all i’m aware that if the celebration felt compelled into suspending me it will cause substantial internal division.

    “In my letter to the Nationwide Secretary I state that it’s my absolute goal to reapply for SNP membership just as soon as i have had the opportunity to transparent my title. I Am Hoping that may be by means of the tip of this yr.

    “within the meantime i might urge nobody else to relinquish their SNP club.

    ‘i will carry on going’

    “My entire center of attention for the next few weeks is preparing for Judicial Evaluate, in opposition to the Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Executive, the preliminary ranges of which started the day prior to this.

    “My purpose is to safe equity as a result of that is essential to transparent my identify. i’m awfully grateful for the messages of enhance and encouragement i’ve won, including from other people of other political persuasions.

    “i can guarantee them all that i will carry on going.

    “the prices of a Judicial Overview within the best possible courtroom in the land are large. Many have asked how they are able to lend a hand in an instant. Due To This Fact i have established a crowd-funder to help with costs.

    “All sums received will give a contribution completely to progressing the Judicial Evaluate and any cash left over can be used to fortify good reasons in Scotland and beyond.

    “Finally, i will be able to proceed to serve the independence motion in no matter what function and whatever capacity i will be able to.

    “it’s a rare factor to be dedicated to a lead to more necessary than somebody, it’s a treasured thing to cherish it and my intention now – because it has always been -is to give protection to and sustain that lead to.”

  • Ex-SNP leader Salmond resigns from celebration

    Breaking News image

    Former SNP leader Alex Salmond has resigned from the party amid sexual misconduct claims, which he denies.

    In a press release he mentioned he desired to steer clear of internal division within the party which has confronted calls to droop him.

    the previous Scottish first minister mentioned he supposed to use to rejoin the SNP once he had a possibility to clear his identify.

    This breaking news story is being up to date and more details shall be printed shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

    You Can obtain Breaking News on a cellphone or tablet by the use of the BBC News App. You’ll Be Able To also observe @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest indicators.

  • Alex Salmond officially starts criminal motion against Scottish government

    Alex Salmond Symbol copyright Getty Photographs Image caption Mr Salmond instructed BBC Scotland final week that he had never sexually confused any person

    Alex Salmond has formally started his prison motion against the Scottish govt over its dealing with of sexual misconduct proceedings against him.

    Two people have made allegations concerning the former first minister, who strongly denies ever sexually harassing anyone.

    He is looking for a judicial review of a new lawsuits process that was once introduced by means of the Scottish executive in December.

    His petition has been lodged with the Courtroom of Consultation in Edinburgh.

    The court docket will now searching for a response from the Scottish executive. it’s more likely to be a few weeks prior to there’s a hearing prior to a judge.

    The proceedings about Mr Salmond had been made in January – just weeks after the brand new methods for coping with harassment court cases was once introduced with the blessing of his successor, Nicola Sturgeon.

    Salmond probe ‘entirely personal’ Sturgeon: Salmond court cases ‘could no longer be ignored’ Salmond denies sexual misconduct claims

    Ms Sturgeon had asked for the Scottish executive’s existing insurance policies to be reviewed and up to date following wider concerns about harassment at Holyrood and Westminster.

    Mr Salmond claims that the next investigation into the allegations in opposition to him by senior Scottish govt civil servants was once “unfair and unjust”.

    He mentioned he have been given no opportunity to “see and therefore to correctly problem the case against me” and that he had “not been allowed to peer the evidence”.

    He has additionally described the allegations as “patently ridiculous”, and has written to the Scottish govt’s top civil servant, Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans, urging her to analyze how the claims have been made public.

    Mr Salmond has claimed that somebody throughout the Scottish government has “flagrantly and again and again” breached the confidential court cases procedure via leaking details to the Day By Day File newspaper.

    The Scottish government argues that a remark released through Mr Salmond on Thursday of final week contained “significant errors” about its methods, with Ms Sturgeon pronouncing it would “defend its position vigorously”.

    ‘Entirely confidential’

    It has insisted that its investigation into the two lawsuits in opposition to Mr Salmond were “solely confidential right through”.

    The Scottish government has passed main points of the lawsuits to Police Scotland, and the drive has said it’s assessing the ideas.

    The Day By Day Document newspaper says it has seen the wording of 1 of the complaints, which was made by a Scottish govt team of workers member.

    She alleges the former first minister touched her backside and breasts via her clothing even as she used to be on my own with him at Bute House, the paper has reported.

    The alleged incident is said to have taken position on the first minister’s legitimate place of dwelling Bute House in Edinburgh in the first week of December 2013.

    The paper claims the lady has alleged “multiple incidences of harassment and conduct of an undesirable sexual nature”.

    Mr Salmond, who had spells as chief of the pro-independence SNP, led the devolved Scottish govt as first minister from 2007.

    He quit within the aftermath of the independence referendum in 2014, whilst Scotland voted to stay within the United Kingdom.

  • No Salmond complaints ahead of January, says government

    Alex Salmond Image copyright Getty Pictures

    The Scottish govt has confirmed there were no recorded court cases approximately former First Minister Alex Salmond’s behaviour ahead of January.

    The detail emerged as competition parties called for “complete transparency” over the research of sexual harassment claims against him.

    Two civil servants lodged court cases in January approximately Mr Salmond’s behaviour in 2013 at the same time as he used to be first minister.

    Mr Salmond has strongly denied any claims of harassment or criminality.

    He also accused somebody within the Scottish executive of “sustained leaking” of the “most unfair type”.

    Symbol caption Ms Sturgeon mentioned main points of the research must, for the moment, remain exclusive

    Labour’s Rhoda Grant stated: “Members of the general public keep in mind that the federal government shall be restricted in some regards because of Mr Salmond’s felony motion in opposition to them, but basic main points surrounding these meetings have to be launched to them.

    “The allegations towards Alex Salmond are extremely serious. His conferences with the pinnacle of a government that used to be investigating him must not be saved beneath wraps.”

  • Nicola Sturgeon: ‘No legal basis’ to droop Alex Salmond

    Alex Salmond Symbol copyright AFP Image caption Mr Salmond has defined the lawsuits against him as “patently ridiculous”

    Nicola Sturgeon has mentioned there is “no legal foundation” to droop Alex Salmond from the SNP amid allegations of sexual harassment.

    The SNP leader said the court cases had been being investigated via the Scottish executive – and had now not been shared together with her party.

    Mr Salmond has strenuously denied any claims of harassment or illegal activity, and criticised the court cases process

    He said there had been “sustained leaking” from inside the executive.

    Salmond probe ‘entirely confidential’ Salmond denies sexual misconduct claims Alex Salmond profile

    Ms Sturgeon has faced calls from competition parties to droop Mr Salmond from the SNP since the Daily Record discovered on Thursday that two female government employees had lodged court cases about his behaviour while he used to be first minister.

    Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Ms Sturgeon has said the complaints towards her friend and mentor have created an “incredibly tough situation” for her

    Ms Sturgeon also defended Leslie Evans, the Scottish government’s most sensible civil servant, who has been singled out for criticism via Mr Salmond.

    “The permanent secretary used to be completely proper to make sure that the procedure was once applied on this case and he or she has my complete give a boost to in having done so,” she said.

    The proceedings in opposition to Mr Salmond have additionally been passed to Police Scotland which says it is assessing the information.

    The Scottish Conservatives mentioned Ms Sturgeon’s remark left many questions unanswered.

    Equalities spokeswoman Annie Wells stated: “We’re still none the wiser as to the way the assault used to be handled while it was alleged to have taken place, nor do we understand whilst someone in the SNP or the Scottish government was informed about the incident.”

    The Scottish govt has stated Ms Sturgeon used to be first made aware of the allegations in opposition to Mr Salmond in April this 12 months, and made it clear to him that she would not intervene within the court cases process.

    Scottish Labour had in advance called for “complete transparency” from the Scottish executive.

    Parliamentary industry supervisor and women’s spokesperson Rhoda Furnish mentioned: “It Is understood that Alex Salmond met the first minister on multiple occasions to talk about the research into allegations of sexual attack into him.

    “it would be totally unacceptable if the details of these meetings remained unknown.”

    (more…)

  • Nicola Sturgeon: ‘It is a hard situation’

    Video Sturgeon: ‘It is a troublesome situation’

    (more…)

  • Sturgeon: Alex Salmond sexual harassment claims ‘could now not be ignored’

    Alex Salmond Image copyright Getty Photographs

    Two other folks have made sexual harassment proceedings against Scotland’s former first minister Alex Salmond, his successor Nicola Sturgeon has showed.

    Ms Sturgeon said the lawsuits had been made in January and had been investigated via a process she had agreed to.

    She said the location was “tricky for me to return to terms with” but the claims “couldn’t be unnoticed”.

    Mr Salmond strongly denies the allegations in opposition to him.

    He has described a few of them as “patently ridiculous” and is taking felony action towards the Scottish govt over its handling of the court cases.

    Symbol caption Nicola Sturgeon acted as Mr Salmond’s deputy for plenty of years earlier than succeeding him as first minister and SNP chief in 2014

    Ms Sturgeon confirmed: “Complaints had been made in January in terms of Alex Salmond via two folks.

    “Those court cases were regarded as considering that then under a procedure covering ministers and previous ministers that used to be agreed through me in December 2017 within the wake of public fear about harassment.

    “Although I had been aware for a while of the fact of the research – to start with from Alex Salmond – I’ve had no function in the procedure, and to have mentioned it prior to now may have compromised the integrity of the internal research, which i used to be now not ready to do.”

    Ms Sturgeon mentioned she have been told by the Scottish government’s best civil servant, Leslie Evans, in advance this week that she had finished her research and that she intended to make the lawsuits public.

    Symbol copyright PA Symbol caption Mr Salmond has hosted a display at the controversial RT station considering that remaining November

    Alex Salmond

    Leader of Scottish Nationwide Birthday Celebration 1990-2000 and 2004-2014 First Minister of Scotland 2007 – 2014 Stood down after Scotland voted to remain within the United Kingdom

    In his statement, Mr Salmond says he refutes all of the allegations towards him. He did not say what the claims had been, however defined a few of them as being “patently ridiculous”.

    He also stated that “at the recommendation of Senior Recommend” he had been complaining to Mrs Evans, the Scottish executive’s permanent secretary, that the lawsuits process was once “unjust” and “unlawful”.

    The permanent secretary is accountable for the Scottish government’s FIVE,000 civil servants, and is the foremost coverage guide to Ms Sturgeon.

    Mr Salmond stated that “with great reluctance” he had now introduced a judicial assessment in opposition to the Scottish govt at the Court Docket of Session.

    He said that if he misplaced the case he would need to resolution to the court cases in opposition to him “each comprehensively and publicly”.

    However he warned that “the management on the senior ranges of the Scottish executive will have essentially the most severe questions to answer” if the courtroom reveals in his favour.

    ‘Tried the whole lot’

    Mr Salmond mentioned: “Even now I Have not been allowed to peer and due to this fact to properly problem the case against me.

    “I’ve not been allowed to see the proof. I Have tried everything, together with offers of conciliation, mediation and legal arbitration to solve those issues each properly and amicably.

    “this can have been in everybody’s pursuits, specifically those of the two complainants. All of these efforts had been rejected.”

    Mr Salmond was once elected as the SNP MP for Gordon in 2015 earlier than shedding the seat in the snap common election years later.

    He has confronted heavy complaint for webhosting the Alex Salmond Show on Russian broadcaster RT, which has been defined as a propaganda channel for the Kremlin – a claim Mr Salmond has denied.