Renewing democracy … or vanity project?

First Minister: ‘Independence can strengthen and embed democracy in Scotland’

The only way Scotland can ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of its people is with independence, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday, as new analysis was published showing the extent to which the UK Government can override decisions taken by the Scottish Parliament.

The second paper in the Building a New Scotland series, Renewing Democracy through Independence, outlines how under the current system it is still only the UK’s Government and Parliament that can make decisions about certain issues that impact significantly on people’s daily lives in areas such as:

  • whether Scotland should be in the EU; devolution did not protect Scotland from being taken out of the EU against the clear views of the majority (62%) of Scottish voters in the 2016 referendum, nor from the “hard” form of Brexit imposed by the UK Government
  • key energy policies, such as levels of support for renewable projects, and an overall energy strategy that reflects Scotland’s net zero targets
  • on cutting or increasing taxes, pensions and benefits like Universal Credit; the Scottish Government spent £100 million to mitigate the effects of UK Government austerity policies in 2019 alone and protect low-income families in Scotland
  • powers over migration – despite Scotland being the only part of the UK where the number of people of working age is expected to fall over the next 25 years, meaning we need to attract talent from overseas.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Today’s paper focusses on democracy and democratic renewal. It exposes the significant and increasing democratic deficit that Scotland suffers as part of the Union.

“It shows that, far from being abstract, this inbuilt deficit has real life consequences for individuals, families and businesses across Scotland – from the impact of austerity to the implications of a Brexit we did not vote for.

“And it argues that only independence can both strengthen and embed democracy in Scotland – and provide a secure foundation from which to overcome challenges and fulfil our potential.

“This discussion could not be more timely or urgent. The democratic deficit Scotland faces is not a recent phenomenon – it has been there throughout devolution – but the evidence of it now is starker than ever.

“The fact is independence is not just the best route to renewing and securing democracy in Scotland – which is, in turn, so essential to building the economic and social future we want. Independence is the only credible route.

“That is why offering Scotland the choice of independence – a policy mandated by the Scottish people – is so essential.”

Renewing Democracy Through Independence

Building a New Scotland

The Scottish Tories are clear in their opposition to Ms Sturgeon”s priorites:

Scottish Liberal Democrats deputy leader Wendy Chamberlain MP said: “This week we saw the worst ever waiting times in our A&E departments and soaring demand for foodbanks in Scotland.

“Energy bills are sky rocketing and families are struggling to put food on the table.

“It is clear that the cost of living crisis and the A&E crisis require our governments to focus on the problems affecting people now and get to work on fixing them.

“Yet today, Nicola Sturgeon instead decided to announce the latest entry in her series of papers for an unwanted independence referendum.

“Rather than spending taxpayers’ money on this series of vanity publishing exercises, the Scottish Government should be putting every penny to work to help people with the cost-of-living crisis.

“That’s where the energies of every minister should be focused, not on independence.”

AN Edinburgh Labour MSP has lambasted the Scottish Government’s record on the health service.

Commenting on the Scottish Government’s response to A&E waiting times, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The Scottish Government’s announcement of £50 million to address A&E waiting lists is both inadequate and poorly targeted for the scale of the crisis the NHS is now in. We are told it includes ‘alternatives to hospital-based treatment’ but given little detail about how this will be implemented or fit in to our existing care system.

“The crisis in the NHS is not limited to just A&E departments – it is systemic. I now regularly hear from constituents who cannot get NHS GP, dentist, or audiology appointments. When people are increasingly struggling to access primary care, it is no surprise that A&E departments are feeling the strain. Earlier this year I raised with the First Minister the fact that almost two fifths of cancers in Scotland are only being diagnosed at A&E, which is a sad indictment of the state of primary care in our country.

“I recently wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care about the inaccessibility of GP appointments, with many of my constituents frustrated at what they feel is a morning telephone lottery for appointments. I was very disappointed by the response I got back, which suggested that my constituents should complain to their GP’s practice manager, as if this were not a systemic problem repeated in GP services across Lothian and indeed Scotland.

“It is simply not good enough for the Scottish Government to pass the buck to NHS staff on these issues, particularly when there is already poor morale within the health service as patients are increasingly frustrated by waiting times. The crisis of access across the NHS is putting lives at risk. The Scottish Government must now act to remedy it.”

Women’s March Global and White Ribbon Alliance unite to amplify women’s voices and fight for equality

This month, two world leaders in gender equality will join forces to further support women’s and girls’ health and rights.

Together these two organizations will form one of the largest networks for women’s empowerment in the world. Following the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the right to an abortion in the US, it is imperative strong activists and advocacy groups come together than ever before.

“Women’s March Global is honored to find a new home as part of the White Ribbon Alliance,” says Betsy Scolnik, former board chair of Women’s March Global. “Our organizations are deeply aligned in our beliefs and in the fight for women, girls and gender diverse people’s equality.”

“We are both very excited to enter this new chapter of our work,” says Kristy Kade, CEO of White Ribbon Alliance. “We look forward to the day that every woman, girl, and gender-diverse person has the respect, equality, dignity, and autonomy they deserve.”

Women’s March Global began in 2017 when millions of women and allies around the world took to the streets to have their voices heard. The global movement is now a network with thousands of members around the world who continue to take action and advance women’s human rights. 

White Ribbon Alliance and Women’s March Global will work closely with chapters and partners in the coming months to build a stronger community.

A town hall meeting will also be taking place in the near future that will further amplify the incredible work this shared community will be doing. 

Five of the Best: Napier University honours inspirational figures

From cinematographer to illustrious military career, the five honorary graduates celebrated for making a positive difference

Five leading figures making a positive difference in their respective fields and communities had their achievements recognised with an honorary degree from Edinburgh Napier University last week.

Accomplished cinematographer and Primetime Emmy winner Neville Kidd was awarded with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts for his contribution to the creative industry.

Responsible for overseeing several of Netflix’s popular science-fiction series, including Travels and The Umbrella Academy, this is not the first time Neville has been awarded an Edinburgh Napier degree after studying for a BA in Photography and Film in 1989.

Serving across the globe in his illustrious military career, former CEO and producer of Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, David Allfrey MBE, received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration.

During his 10-year stint leading the Tattoo, David worked tirelessly to promote its mission to be the world’s greatest immersive event whilst highlighting the value and importance to Edinburgh’s cultural heritage.

David has used this experience to support Edinburgh Napier’s tourism, festival and event students by delivering annual lectures as well offering internships and work experience.

A fellow Edinburgh Napier student, composer and performer Anna Meredith MBE received an Honorary Degree of Doctor for Music in recognition of her services to industry. Defined by her traversing genre and style, Anna has been a composer in residence for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and RPS/PRS Composer in the House with Sinfonia ViVA.

Former chief executive of Wood Group, Robert Keiller CBE, was presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Enterprise for commitment to the humanity of business, after being at the helm of some of the world’s largest multi-national organsations as well as supporting innovative SMEs.

Also in receipt of an Honorary Degree is former Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland Gill Imery QPM for leading substantial improvements in policing for the benefit of the public and was the first woman to take command of policing Edinburgh divisions as well as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

The honorary graduates will become doctorates of the University, alongside 2000 students graduating from the universities six faculties this week.

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal & Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It’s a real privilege to be presenting these five outstanding individuals with an honorary degree at this year’s ceremony.

“Each one has not only exemplified significant contributions to their chosen fields but made a positive impact on society as a whole. We hope their achievements will continue to play an inspiring role to those attending and graduating Edinburgh Napier University.”

Honorary graduates

Robert Keiller CBE, Doctor of Enterprise

Bob attended Jedburgh Grammar School and then went on to graduate from Heriot-Watt University with a Master’s in Engineering. Over the course of a 30-year career in the oil and gas industry, he held no less than 18 different roles in 10 different organisations, a varied career trajectory that provided him with a wealth of valuable perspectives on the impact of leadership style on organisational culture.

He has earned distinction and eminence at the helm of large multi-national organisations, as well as innovative, small and medium sized enterprises, by developing and nurturing the right organisational culture and putting people first. Today Bob is an inspirational TEDx speaker, a LinkedIn influencer with more than 160,000 followers, Chief Storytelling Officer at The Lens, and a Business Advisor through his consultancy firm, AB15.

Anna Meredith MBE, Doctor of Music

After studying at Edinburgh Napier University, Anna went on to receive a first-class honours degree in Music from the University of York, before gaining her master’s degree from the Royal College of Music. In recognition of her services to music, Anna was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

She has presented for BBC Radio 3 and 6Music and is a regular radio and TV guest, judge and panel member. She has created original music for numerous films, television productions, documentaries and installations, and has performed at pop festivals and classical concert halls worldwide.

Anna’s debut album, Varmints, was released in March 2016, achieving both Pitchfork’s coveted Best New Music and the Scottish Music Industry Association Scottish Album of the Year awards.

David Allfrey MBE, Doctor of Business Administration

David’s strong ability to co-ordinate and motivate, and his enthusiasm and skill for running large scale events led him to be awarded an MBE for delivering the commemoration events for D-Day. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel he became Director of Studies for technical training and became involved in army recruiting, with a focus on increasing diversity. A further promotion to Brigadier led him to work with the Scottish regiments and command the 51 Brigade.

David is also dedicated to making international connections. He has visited 55 countries and one of David’s greatest achievements was to take the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo brand overseas. In 2016 and 2017, the Tattoo, under his directorship, delivered sell-out shows in New Zealand and Australia, selling more tickets than events featuring AC/DC and One Direction.

Gill Imery QPM, Doctor of the University

Gill has led substantial improvements in policing for the benefit of the public and was the first (and so far the only) woman to take command of policing Edinburgh division, as well as the first (and only) female Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

She has had an impressive career in policing and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished service in 2017. Gill also has a Master of Arts degree in English Literature and Language and a postgraduate certificate in Child Protection.

In 2016, Gill was seconded to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland as an Assistant Inspector and then in 2018 she was appointed as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland. There, she set the strategic direction for the inspectorate.

Neville Kidd, Doctor of Arts

Neville is an accomplished cinematographer, working at the highest level of the global screen industry as a Director of Photography, DoP, in which role he is responsible for the visuals, the camerawork and lighting, for high budget international television programmes.

By the early 2000s, Neville had become the ‘go-to’ cameraman when producers needed a distinctive versatile visual approach. He made a significant contribution to the way television cooking programmes are filmed.

He was the cameraman when Jamie Oliver, then an unknown junior chef at London’s River Café, made his debut; and Neville filmed the pilot and many successful series with Nigella Lawson, perfecting the art of framing close-ups of both the food and presenter.

Producers from North America approached Neville to work as DoP on projects for Hollywood studios. One of his first American projects was the Outlander series made in Scotland. For his work on an episode entitled The Battle of Prestonpans he was inducted into the American Society of Cinematographers.

Refurbished Native Edinburgh reveals city’s hottest new speakeasy

Native, the leading UK aparthotel brand with eleven sites across London, including Bankside, Hyde Park and Mayfair, Manchester and Scotland has announced Native Edinburgh, has re-opened following a 14-month refurbishment.

The half-a-million-pound revamp covers the public spaces and eighty-two apartments comprising of Studios, One Beds and Premium One Beds. Additionally, a new cultural programme and a speakeasy bar, Counter, is launching.

The design for Native Edinburgh’s refurbishment was inspired by ‘The Inventors’ who lived within the city.

The famed Scottish inventors include John Logie Baird, inventor of the television, Sir Alexander Fleming who discovered penicillin and won a Nobel Prize, and William Cullen, inventor of the refrigerator

. The history of the Scottish inventors surrounds the streets around the property, and the new design aims to highlight this unique history through the décor, artwork and quirky gadgets used decoratively. 

The chic new interiors combine amber whisky tones with the midnight teal colours of the night sky above the Georgian facades of Edinburgh’s New Town, where the property resides. 

Rich colours including the bright gold palette is reminiscent of the local area that was originally built to bring wealth back to the burgh of The Whisky Barone. The reimagined heritage-inspired Lobby space showcases opulent green hues and botanical themed prints, taking inspiration from the Royal Botanic Gardens – a natural treasure of Scotland.

The original Georgian windows allow natural light to flood in over the mid-century style furniture and lighting. The wallpaper in the lobby has been designed by Edinburgh Mairi Helena, known for her vibrant designs inspired by a love for Scotland’s colourful and textual landscapes. 

Olivia Immesi, Managing Director says, “Each Native site celebrates the best of its surrounding area and Native Edinburgh’s refurbishment reflects the history of the city, and a focus on local culture to allow guests to plug into the city, whether they’re passing through or staying for longer.”

Coinciding with the re-opening, Native Edinburgh is launching a new speakeasy bar; Counter.

Counter will serve coffee by day and cocktails by night providing an undiscovered destination bar in the heart of city centre for guests and locals.  

The Counter at Native Edinburgh will also be home to a new bespoke cultural programme: it will host a selection of carefully curated eclectic events, spotlighting local produce in the daytime and homegrown talent at night. 

Late night summer programming will see the venue host a range of acts from neo-soul jazz nights and vinyl DJs to spoken word poetry.  Counter will shine a light on up-and-coming creatives from around the city, including artists, writers, musicians and more. 

Combining the freedom and authenticity of a local apartment with the comfort, convenience and premium service of a boutique hotel, Native breathes new life into historic city-centre buildings through thoughtful restoration and refurbishment.

Embracing local culture, Native collaborate with local, independent like-minded businesses, designers and artists meaning each site has its own unique personality, creating inspiring, ‘native’ experiences. 

Perfectly situated 20 minutes by car from Edinburgh airport, rooms at Native Edinburgh are priced from £100 per night. 

£5k Musselburgh community fund deadline extended

Local causes called on to be in with chance of landing up to £1000

THE APPLICATION deadline for a community fund launched by an independent Scottish developer has been extended to ensure causes in and around Musselburgh don’t miss the chance to make their case.

The fund from Dundas Estates, which totals £5,000, will be distributed in £1,000 segments to five charities or community initiatives local to Musselburgh – whether it is to help them renovate a facility, secure a defibrillator or get a project off the ground and providing essential support, education or resources.

Craig Fairfoull, Head of Sales and Marketing at Dundas Estates, said: “We want to showcase this fantastic funding opportunity to as many amazing causes as possible as we know this kind of money is vital to charitable groups.

“When we first launched the fund at the start of summer, a few organisations might have missed out with it being a particularly busy period of time. Given the fund will provide lasting benefits to the surrounding community, the only option for us was to extend the deadline.

“Musselburgh already has a thriving and tight knit community with a number of local groups doing excellent work within the town, and this is something we are very keen to support.

“The cost of living crisis is bringing fresh challenges for good causes to navigate – so we hope this injection of funds will come at the perfect time for the five final recipients.”

In promoting and administering the fund, the housing developer is working closely with Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council (MICC) to help ensure worthy causes at the heart of the community are able to benefit.

Interested applicants can apply online via:

 https://www.dundas.co.uk/musselburgh-community-fund 

with applications now closing on Sunday 31st July.

The roll out of the fund comes as the Livingston-based firm launched its 140-home Wireworks development in the town, forming part of its pledge to deliver lasting benefits to the local area and in addition investing section 75 contributions of up to £400,000 towards schooling and infrastructure.

Dundas Estates, through a partnership with Tesco, East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, acquired The Wireworks site after receiving planning permission to regenerate the former Brunton Wireworks site and neighbouring land in 2008.

Just Transition: Government must act on decarbonisation recommendations

Trade unions and environmental organisations are calling on the Scottish Government to show real commitment to fairly cutting climate pollution throughout the economy and to embrace the recommendations of the new Just Transition Commission’s first report published today.

The Just Transition Partnership, an initiative set up by Scottish Trades Union Congress and Friends of Earth Scotland in 2016, had called on the Scottish Government to set up the Commission.

The Partnership praised the first report of the new Just Transition Commission for its sharp focus on closing the investment gap, delivering a better deal for workers, tackling inequalities at every level and the need for a global just transition.

The report also calls for:

 + targeted investment in public transport, expanding rail networks, making services affordable and improving provision in remote and rural areas, rejecting Scottish Government proposals for cuts to the railway;

 + urgently tackling fuel poverty and “affordable clean energy [to be made] be available to all…addressing pricing barriers for renewable sources and reducing energy consumption through increased efficiency”;

 + the new National Care Service to be placed “firmly within the public sphere, with a robust public investment plan and a human rights delivery approach at the local, regional and national level”;

 + a new approach to industrial planning to address the “challenges of large-scale decarbonisation, the cost-of-living emergency and the climate emergency [and which] demand a whole system transformation”;

 + prioritising a ‘do no harm’ approach overseas, recognising that Scotland’s “position as an advanced economy was gained through the historic exploitation of fossil fuels, and indeed the natural resources of formerly colonised regions”.

STUC Deputy General Secretary Dave Moxham said: “We have long argued for a coherent low-carbon industrial strategy that creates decent unionised jobs through significant public investment and places the voice of workers at its core via trade union involvement at national and workplace level.

“This report lays out some of the important steps that the Scottish Government should take to achieve a Just Transition in areas such as energy, buildings and transport to ensure that workers and their communities are not left behind.

“The National Care Service recommendations are welcome. As with energy, we believe public ownership is best for tackling the climate and cost of living emergencies. Taking care services away from local government damages local delivery and accountability.”

Friends of Earth Scotland Head of Campaigns Mary Church said: “From investing in and expanding public transport to making clean energy available and affordable to all, this report outlines a series of clear recommendations for a transformative programme of climate action that can serve people and the planet.

“It also highlights the need for contingency plans where negative emissions technologies are relied on, a timely echo of repeated warnings on this front with the Scottish Government’s recent admission that these technologies won’t deliver for 2030.

“It’s hugely welcome that the report calls for an approach to just transition that does no harm overseas, particularly in the global south, and the duty on Scotland as a rich,  historical polluter in creating an enabling environment for a global just transition through climate finance, knowledge and resource sharing.

“The Scottish Government must now take rapid action to deliver on these recommendations to plug the gaping hole in its climate plan and ensure we can hit climate targets, tackle the energy price crisis while creating new opportunities for workers and communities across the country, and paying our climate debt to the global South.”

Ministers will have an opportunity to show their commitment to a Just Transition by incorporating the report’s recommendations in the draft revised Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan which is scheduled for consultation in Autumn and in the forthcoming Climate Change Plan, expected in spring 2023.

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HMRC phishing scams – how to spot and avoid bogus communications

Fake emails, calls and messages suggesting they are from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have grown exponentially in the last five years with many people falling foul to fraudsters.

Here, Perrys Chartered Accountants discusses the latest HMRC cyber scams doing the rounds and how to spot bogus communications:

In 2021, HMRC received more than 670,000 calls from individuals reporting tax scams. Despite a significant drop in reports to HMRC in recent months, statistics show that tax-related scams doubled during the pandemic and HMRC is still advising caution of any correspondence – particularly via text or email – implying it is from the tax authority.

Scams can come in many forms. However, the most common tactic used by fraudsters is contacting potential victims via automated messages. So, what should you look out for?

HMRC email scams

Phishing attacks aren’t new, but the tactics employed by fraudsters have become increasingly sophisticated over the years with many able to replicate email addresses from authorities, such as HMRC, that on first glance look bona fide.

These attacks aim to extract personal information and data from an individual that enables fraudsters to steal identities, bank details and more.

One such campaign doing the rounds is an email telling customers that they are eligible to receive an employment income support scheme credit during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you receive such an email, you should not reply to it, click on any links in the email or open any attachments. You should also avoid disclosing any personal or payment information. Instead, report it immediately to HMRC by emailing it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.

Fake tax rebates

Another common scam is the offer of a tax rebate either via text or email. HMRC will never contact anyone by text or email about tax rebates, so any messages received offering a refund will certainly be fake. If you receive any such message, do not reply but report it to HMRC and then delete it.

Be wary of website links and malicious web pages

HMRC will never ask you to click on a link to complete your details online to receive a rebate.

Web pages can also be dangerous with many fake sites cloning or copying official pages from HMRC’s website or claiming to be officially affiliated with the tax authority. To avoid being fooled by a fake website, always visit HMRC directly by typing the government’s official URL https://www.gov.uk/ into your browser.

HMRC text scams

HMRC will never ask for any personal or financial information when sending out texts. If you receive such a text, do not reply to it or open any links contained in the message. Instead, you can send any phishing text messages to HMRC using the text number 60599 or by emailing it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.

HMRC phone scams

Phone scams are performed using a variety of methods and are often used to target elderly and vulnerable people.

A popular way for fraudsters to target potential victims is by using an automated message. HMRC is aware of a scam which tells the receiver that they are the subject of a lawsuit and to press 1 to speak to a caseworker to make a payment. This is false. If you receive such a call, you should end it immediately.

Other similar scams might refer to National Insurance number fraud or tax refunds and will ask you to supply bank or credit card information. If you are at all unsure, or you cannot verify the caller, hang up and report it to Action Fraud.

When reporting phone scams, you should include the date of the call, the phone number used to contact you and what the call was about. You can also contact HMRC directly on its phone number 0300 200 3310 to verify the legitimacy of any calls you receive alleging to be from the authority.

HMRC WhatsApp scams

HMRC will never use WhatsApp to contact customers about a tax refund. If you receive any such communication via WhatsApp saying it is from HMRC, you should report it immediately by emailing HMRC and then delete it.

HMRC social media scams

One of the most recent social media scams being used to con people is the distribution of direct messages via Twitter offering a tax refund. These messages are not genuine and HMRC will never use social media platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, to offer tax rebates or request personal information. Ignore all such messages and report them to HMRC straight away.

HMRC refund companies

Refund companies that send emails or texts advertising their services and offering to apply for a tax rebate on your behalf in return for a fee are not connected with HMRC in any way. Before using any such service, you should read the company’s terms and conditions or disclaimers and think carefully before instructing them to assist you. If in doubt, contact a professional accountant for advice.

HMRC customs duty scams

Changes officially introduced by HMRC on 1 January 2021 mean that some UK consumers buying goods from EU businesses might need to pay customs charges when their goods are delivered. This change in regulations has resulted in a surge of associated email and text scams asking for customs duty payments.

Customers are contacted via false emails or texts and told they must pay customs duty to receive a valuable parcel which doesn’t exist. If you are not expecting any parcel or if you are in any doubt as to the authenticity of such messages, then do not reply. Instead, you should report any suspicious activity to HMRC immediately by emailing phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.

University students taking part-time jobs

According to HMRC, undergraduates taking part-time jobs are at increased risk of falling victim to scams – particularly if they are new to interacting with the tax authority and unfamiliar with its processes.

Between April and May 2021, more than 5,000 phone scams were reported to HMRC by 18 to 24 year olds. The advice is to be wary if you are contacted out of the blue by someone asking for money or personal information.

Mike Fell, Head of Cyber Security Operations of HMRC, said: “We see high numbers of fraudsters contacting people claiming to be from HMRC. If in doubt, our advice is – do not reply directly to anything suspicious, but contact HMRC through GOV.UK straight away and search GOV.UK for ‘HMRC scams’.

For further information and guidance about HMRC phishing scams, visit HMRC’s official web page https://www.gov.uk/topic/dealing-with-hmrc/phishing-scams.

Six of the best?

SECOND ROUND OF VOTING TAKES PLACE TODAY

RISHI Sunak has emerged as the front-runner in the race to become the next Prime Minister. The former Chancellor was the clear winner following the first round of voting by MPs yesterday.

Sunak topped the poll with 88 votes, Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt was a strong second on 67 and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who launches her campaign today, third on 50.

New Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and former health secretary Jeremy Hunt were eliminated from the race, both failing to attract suffiicient support.

First Round Voting was:

Rishi Sunak 88

Penny Mordaunt 67

Liz Truss 50

Kemi Badenoch 40

Tom Tugendhat 37

Suella Braverman 32

Nadhim Zahawi 25*

Jeremy Hunt 18*

Eliminated *

The six remaining hopefuls – Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman, Penny Mordaunt, Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss and Tom Tugendhat – face another round of voting today when another candidate will be eliminated.

The field is expected to be narrowed down to two by the end of next week, then over the summer around 160,000 Conservative Party members will have their say on who they want as their next party leader – and our prime minister.

The result will be announced on 5 September.

Hidden Van Gogh self-portrait discovered by National Galleries of Scotland

Sensational find to go on display in Edinburgh this summer

The National Galleries of Scotland has discovered what is almost certainly a previously unknown self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh.

Believed to be a first for a UK institution, the mysterious image was revealed by an x-ray taken when art conservators examined Van Gogh’s Head of a Peasant Woman of 1885 ahead of the forthcoming exhibition A Taste for Impressionism (30 July–13 November) at the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh. Visitors will be able to see the amazing x-ray image for the first timethrough a specially crafted lightbox at the centre of thedisplay.

Hidden from view for over a century, the self-portrait is on the back of the canvas with Head of a Peasant Woman and is covered by layers of glue and cardboard. NGS experts believe these materials were applied ahead of an exhibition in the early twentieth century. Van Gogh often re-used canvases to save money. However, instead of painting over earlier works, he would turn the canvas around and work on the reverse.

It may be possible to uncover the hidden self-portrait, but the process of removing the glue and cardboard will require delicate conservation work. Research is ongoing as to how that can be done without harming Head of a Peasant Woman.

Until then, the world can enjoy the tantalising discovery through a ghostly and utterly compelling x-ray image. It shows a bearded sitter in a brimmed hat with a neckerchief loosely tied at the throat. He fixes the viewer with an intense stare, the right side of his face in shadow and his left ear clearly visible.

Professor Frances Fowle, Senior Curator of French Art at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “Moments like this are incredibly rare. We have discovered an unknown work by Vincent van Gogh, one of the most important and popular artists in the world.

“What an incredible gift for Scotland, and one that will forever be in the care of the National Galleries. We are very excited to share this thrilling discovery in our big summer exhibition A Taste for Impressionism, where the x-ray image of the self-portrait will be on view for all to see.”

The condition of the underlying self-portrait is not known but, if it can be uncovered, it is expected to help shed new light on this enigmatic and beguiling artist.

Later in date than the Head of a Peasant Woman, the hidden painting is likely to have been made during a key moment in Van Gogh’s career, when he was exposed to the work of the French impressionists after moving to Paris. The experience had a profound effect and was a major influence on why he adopted a more colourful and expressive style of painting – one that is so much admired today.

Head of a Peasant Woman entered the NGS collection in 1960, as part of the gift of an Edinburgh lawyer, Alexander Maitland, in memory of his wife Rosalind. Dating from an early period in Van Gogh’s career, the painting shows a local woman from the town of Nuenen in the south of the Netherlands, where the artist lived from December 1883 to November 1885.

Painted in March or April 1885, it seems to be a likeness of Gordina de Groot (known as Sien) who was a model for Van Gogh’s early masterpiece The Potato Eaters of 1885 (Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam). Her facial features, white cap and simple work clothes are sketched in oil, using broad brushstrokes and earthy colours typical of French realist artists such as Jean-François Millet, whom Van Gogh greatly admired.

In 1886 the artist moved to Paris to be closer to his brother Theo, who was an early supporter of the Impressionists. Exposed to the work of this revolutionary group of artists, Van Gogh lightened his palette and experimented with broken brushwork.

At the studio of Fernand Cormon, where he took classes in painting, he met avant-garde artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Emile Bernard. He also encountered the work of Georges Seurat and Paul Gauguin, under whose influence he began to paint more expressively, using brighter colours.

In the summer of 1887 Van Gogh was experimenting with painting portraits, using friends and also himself as a model. Theo was out of town and unable to assist financially, so Van Gogh re-used canvases to save money. Van Gogh died in 1890 and his brother followed six months later, at which point the artist’s entire oeuvre was left to Theo’s widow, Jo Van Gogh-Bonger.

Probably around 1905, when the Peasant Woman was lent to an exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, the decision was made to stick the canvas down on cardboard prior to framing. At this date the Peasant Woman was evidently considered more ‘finished’ than the Van Gogh self-portrait.

The painting changed hands several times and in 1923 was acquired by Evelyn St. Croix Fleming, whose son, Ian, became the creator of James Bond. It was not until 1951 that it came to Scotland, having entered the collection of Alexander and Rosalind Maitland.

Neil Hanna Photography www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

Once revealed, the hidden self-portrait will be part of a group of several such self-portraits and other works painted on the back of earlier canvases from the Nuenen period.

Five examples are in the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Others in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, Connecticut; and the Kunstmuseum Den Haag.

Records in the Van Gogh Museum confirm that in 1929 the cardboard was removed from three of their Nuenen pictures by the Dutch restorer Jan Cornelis Traas, revealing the portraits on the verso.

Pictures: Neil Hanna