David Jacobsen is the Socialist Labour Party Genera Election candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith Constituency.
David has 20 years experience as a healthcare worker in the NHS and is committed to a National Health service available to all at the time of need, on demand and free of all charges – including prescriptions, dental care, and eye care.
The Socialist Labour Party wants all NHS workers to receive wages and terms and conditions that reflect the social importance of their jobs.
Our objectives include the provision of NHS nursing homes free of charge for people who need them and care homes owned and operated by local authorities and not by private companies chosen by a centralised power controlled by the Scottish government.
On 29th February 2024 the Scottish Parliament passed the National Care Service Bill. This allows Scottish ministers to transfer social care responsibility from local authorities. This could include adult and children’s services as well as areas such as justice and social work.
Mr Jacobsen urges consituents to stop the transfer of healthcare functions from the NHS to the new centralised National Care Service.
Vote Socialist Labour on July 4th!
EDINBURGH NORTH & LEITH CANDIDATES:
Scottish Liberal Democrats – ANDERSEN, Mike
Scottish National Party (SNP) – BROCK, Deidre
Scottish Family Party – Defending Traditional Values – DEEPNARAIN, Niel
Scottish Labour Party – GILBERT, Tracy
Socialist Labour Party – JACOBSEN, David Don
Reform UK – MELVILLE, Alan Gordon
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – MOWAT, Joanna
Scottish Greens – O’NEILL, Kayleigh Ferguson
Communist Party of Britain – SHILLCOCK, Richard Charles
UK government rebuild under way as Tory candidates line up for top job
The Queen approved the following appointments yesterday as outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson assembled a new government after a tumultuous 48 hours that saw more than fifty resignations:
Rt Hon Greg Clark MP as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Rt Hon James Cleverly MP as Secretary of State for Education
Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland QC MP as Secretary of State for Wales
Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Shailesh Vara MP as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Andrew Stephenson MP as Minister without Portfolio. He will attend Cabinet.
Johnny Mercer MP as a Minister of State (Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) at the Cabinet Office. He will attend Cabinet.
Graham Stuart MP as a Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Stephen McPartland MP as a Minister of State (Minister for Security) at the Home Office
Tom Pursglove MP as a Minister of State jointly at the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice
James Heappey MP as a Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence
Will Quince MP as a Minister of State at the Department for Education
Maria Caulfield MP as a Minister of State at the Department for Health and Social Care
Paul Scully MP as a Minister of State at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. He remains as Minister for London.
Marcus Jones MP as a Minister of State at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Matt Warman MP as a Minister of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Trudy Harrison MP as a Minister of State at the Department for Transport
Edward Timpson CBE MP as Solicitor General
Mr Johnson plans to stay on as PM until a successor is elected by the autumn, but many Tory MPs want him to leave office straight away. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab – who has ruled himself out of the race to replace Johnson – would seem like the obvious person to hold the reins during this transitional period.
Opposition leader Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer has said he will call a vote of no confidence, forcing a general election, if Johnson doesn’t go now, For that to succeed, though, Starmer would need the support of Tory MPs – and even in these turbulent times it’s pretty unlikely that turkeys will vote for Christmas!
While the Prime Minister throws together this patchwork interim governmentthe race to succeed him has begun in earnest after Johnson was finally forced to quit as Tory leader yesterday.
Respected backbencher Tom Tugendhat is the latest MP to throw his hat into the ring, joining Attorney General Suella Braverman and Brexiteer Steve Baker who have both indicated an interest in standing for the top job. They will be joined by plenty more candidates stepping forward over the coming days, however.
Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, former Health secretary Sajid Javid, transport secretary Grant Shapps and new Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi are all likely to stand, as is photo-opp queen, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (above).
Defence secretary Ben Wallace is seen as a steady pair of hands and is popular with the Tory faithful and Trade minister Penny Mordaunt is also expected to put her name forward. Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt is very likely to stand, but his successor Matt Hancock has wisely ruled himself out. There will be many more who see themselves as the perfect candidate to be our next Prime Minister, though.
EDINBURGH WOMEN’S AID REPORTS SURGE IN DEMAND FOR SERVICES
Edinburgh Women’s Aid, which has been providing services and support for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse for nearly 50 years, including refuge accommodation and legal advice, is calling on political leaders to help support the continuation of its services, following a surge in demand over the past two years.
Since the start of the pandemic, the charity has seen an increase in the number of women using their services by almost 10% due to factors including financial insecurity, social distancing and limited access to friends and family, which have made both escaping from an abuser and recovering from abuse even more difficult for women and children.
As a result, EWA, which remained open throughout the pandemic, increased its hours of operation and introduced new ways of supporting women including developing a webchat service and worked in partnership with other agencies to address the increased risks and trauma of those affected by domestic abuse.
They also continue to provide a number of services for children and young people, including outreach support in schools, delivery of the CEDAR, (Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery), programme, run an employability project, offer access to therapeutic counselling for women, art therapy for children and specialist housing advice. They are also currently running a pilot legal project which enables access to family law solicitors without the need for legal aid.
To enable EWA to continue to protect and keep victims of domestic abuse safe, the charity is calling on all political candidates in the run up to the elections to pledge their commitment to the provision of specialist services for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse in Edinburgh.
Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, said: “Edinburgh Women’s Aid has been at the heart of delivering services to help protect women and children who have experienced domestic abuse in Edinburgh for almost half a century.
“Our support has been consistently available in the city and we have been learning and developing our services over the years in response to what women and children tell us they need to keep them safe from their abusers.
“During the pandemic we worked tirelessly and flexibly to meet the needs of women and children in Edinburgh. We remained open throughout, increased our hours of operation, developed a new webchat service and worked in partnership with other agencies to address the increased risks and trauma of those affected by domestic abuse.
“Demand for our services is increasing year on year and the provision of specialist support is vital to help women, children and young people to recover from their experiences.
“We believe it is imperative that the voices of women and children affected by domestic abuse are heard by elected representatives which is why we are asking them to pledge their commitment to the provision of specialist services for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse in Edinburgh.
“We are also urging people to speak to their local candidates at the door or in meetings, and ask if they have signed our pledge and if they are committed to supporting us to end domestic abuse, as without our services even more women and children’s lives would be seriously at risk in the city.”
Be part of a conversation with some of the candidates standing for election in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface (EVOC, Volunteer Edinburgh, Edinburgh Social Enterprise) and the Poverty Alliance invite you to be part of an conversation with some of the candidates standing for election on Thu 5 May.
The main focus of this event is the challenges arising from cost-of-living increases that are impacting people and communities across the City linked to:
the importance of a thriving voluntary sector
the benefits of an enterprising City
the need for wealth building within communities
Welcome & Introduction: Bridie Ashrowan, Claire Pattullo, Paul Wilson.
Panel Q&A:
Claire Miller, Edinburgh Greens candidate for City Centre
Vicky Nicolson, SNP candidate for Inverleith
Ross McKenzie, Labour candidate for Sighthill / Gorgie
Neil Ross, Liberal Democrats candidate for Morningside
Representatives from each of the political parties have been invited.
SUBMIT A QUESTION
Please submit any questions you have in advance, or if you are unable to attend the event to: comms@evoc.org.uk
ZOOM LINK:
The link will be sent out to everyone who has registered by 1pm on the day.
With firms saying they are struggling to recruit in the face of record job vacancies, Nacro is calling for firms to hire those with criminal records to reduce reoffending and bolster the workforce.
Nacro chief executive Campbell Robb said: “We are overlooking one vital resource to address the country’s shortage of candidates: hiring prison leavers.
” Each month around 4,000 people leave prison, but only 14% are in employment six months later – yet employers who hire prison leavers often say prison leavers are harder working and more reliable workers.
“Alongside this, having work is a vital factor in reducing reoffending. Yet so many viable job candidates could be overlooked simply because they have a criminal record.
“The UK economy can no longer afford to ignore those leaving prison, we have a golden opportunity to reduce reoffending and staff shortages in one fell swoop.”
143 candidates will contest Edinburgh’s 17 wards in the Local Government Elections on Thursday 5 May.
Nominations for candidates closed om Wednesday 30 March. The nominated candidates for each ward are listed in full below and on the Council website:
Ward 1 – Almond
Workers Party of Britain – BAILLIE, Annemarie
Scottish Green Party – BROUGH, Andrew
Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – GEDDES, Stewart
Scottish Labour Party – HESSLER, Fred
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – HILL, James
Scottish Liberal Democrats – LANG, Kevin
Scottish National Party (SNP) – WORK, Norrie
Scottish Liberal Democrats – YOUNG, Louise
Scottish Liberal Democrats – YOUNIE, Lewis James
Ward 2 – Pentland Hills
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – BRUCE , Graeme
Scottish Liberal Democrats – CHAPPELL, Michael William
Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – FETTES, Richard
Scottish National Party (SNP) – GARDINER, Neil Thomas
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – GILCHRIST, Emma
Scottish National Party (SNP) – GLASGOW, Fiona
Scottish Labour Party – JENKINSON, Stephen Philip
Scottish Green Party – MULLER, Ross
Scottish Libertarian Party – ROWLANDS, Louis
Ward 3 – Drum Brae/ Gyle
Scottish Liberal Democrats – ALDRIDGE, Robert Christopher
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – BROWN, Mark
Scottish National Party (SNP) – HYSLOP, Euan
Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – JOHNSTON, Eileen
Labour and Co-operative Party – OKORO, Nkechi
Scottish Green Party – SCOTT, Anne
Scottish Libertarian Party – SMITH, Gary
Scottish Liberal Democrats – THORNLEY, Edward John
Ward 4 – Forth
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – CAMPBELL, Jim
Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – CAMPBELL, Linda Lenora
Labour and Co-operative Party – DAY, Cammy
Scottish Liberal Democrats – DIJKSTRA-DOWNIE, Sanne
Scottish National Party (SNP) – DOBBIN, Stuart
Scottish National Party (SNP) – GOOCH, Carrie
Women’s Equality Party – HEATHCOTE, Kerry Elizabeth
Scottish Green Party – O’NEILL, Kayleigh
Ward 5 – Inverleith
Scottish Green Party – BANDEL, Jule
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – HERRING, Stuart
Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – HOLDEN, Phil
Scottish Libertarian Party – LAIRD, Tam
MCNAMARA, Stephen
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – MITCHELL, Max
Labour and Co-operative Party – MUNRO-BRIAN, Mhairi
Scottish National Party (SNP) – NICOLSON, Vicky
Scottish Liberal Democrats – OSLER, Hal
Scottish Liberal Democrats – WOOD, Malcolm Alexander
Ward 6 – Corstorphine/ Murrayfield
Scottish Liberal Democrats – BEAL, Alan Christopher
Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – COLVILLE, Norman David
Scottish Liberal Democrats – DAVIDSON, Euan Robert
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – FINDLAY, Hugh
Scottish Green Party – HUGHES, Connal
Scottish Labour Party – PARKER, Richard
Scottish National Party (SNP) – ROSS, Frank
Ward 7 – Sighthill/ Gorgie
Scottish National Party (SNP) – DIXON, Denis
Scottish National Party (SNP) – FULLERTON, Catherine
Independent – GRACZYK, Ashley
Scottish Green Party – HEAP, Dan
Alba Party for independence – HENRY, David
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – HOOLEY, Mark
Scottish Labour Party – MCKENZIE, Ross
Scottish Liberal Democrats – SCOBIE, Devin
Ward 8 – Colinton/ Fairmilehead
Scottish Labour Party – ARTHUR, Scott
Scottish National Party (SNP) – BIAGI, Marco
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – CUTHBERT, Neil
Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – LUCAS, Richard Crewe
Scottish Green Party – MCCABE, Helen
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – RUST, Jason
Scottish Liberal Democrats – SPENCE, Louise Watson
Ward 9 – Fountainbridge/ Craiglockhart
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – COWDY, Christopher
Scottish Liberal Democrats – GRAHAM, Fraser John Ashmore
Scottish National Party (SNP) – KEY, David
Scottish Libertarian Party – MASSON, Gregor
Scottish Green Party – MCHANEY, Megan
Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – RAMSAY, Fraser Kenneth
Labour and Co-operative Party – WALKER, Val
Ward 10 – Morningside
Scottish National Party (SNP) – CLYDE, Mairianna
Alba Party for independence – GUNN BARRETT, Leah
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – MUNRO, Marie-Clair
Scottish Green Party – PARKER, Ben
Scottish Liberal Democrats – ROSS, Neil John
Scottish Libertarian Party – SIDOR, Peter
Scottish Labour Party – WATT, Mandy Helen
Ward 11 – City Centre
Independent – BOB, Bonnie Prince
Independent – CARSON, Pete
Scottish Liberal Democrats – FOXALL, Andy
Labour and Co-operative Party – GRAHAM, Margaret Arma
Independent – ILLINGWORTH, Kevin
Scottish National Party (SNP) – MCFARLANE, Finlay
Scottish Green Party – MILLER, Claire
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – MOWAT, Jo
Scottish National Party (SNP) – MWIKI, Marianne
Independent – PAKPAHAN-CAMPBELL, Maria
Independent – PENMAN, Paul R.
Independent – ROWAN, Norrie
Alba Party for independence – SHAW, Kevan
Ward 12 – Leith Walk
Scottish Liberal Democrats – CALDWELL, Jack
Labour and Co-operative Party – DALGLEISH, James
Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – DEEPNARAIN, Niel
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – FOMBO, Bonus
Socialist Labour Party – JACOBSEN, David Don
Scottish National Party (SNP) – MCNEESE-MECHAN, Amy
Scottish National Party (SNP) – MUNN, Rob
Freedom Alliance. Real People. Real Alternative – PULLMAN, Jon
Scottish Green Party – RAE, Susan
Women’s Equality Party – RENTON, David
Communist Party of Britain – SHILLCOCK, Richard Charles
Alba Party for independence – SMITH, Joe
Ward 13 – Leith
Scottish Green Party – BOOTH, Chas
Scottish Labour Party – FACCENDA, Katrina
Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – ISSERI, Jacqueline Mary
Independent – MACKENZIE, Andy
Alba Party for independence – MCGLYNN, Euan
Scottish National Party (SNP) – MCVEY, Adam
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – PERCHARD, Teresa
Scottish Liberal Democrats – REA, Robin Thomas
Ward 14 – Craigentinny/ Duddingston
Scottish National Party (SNP) – ASTON, Danny
Scottish National Party (SNP) – BROWN, Shelly-Ann
Scottish Liberal Democrats – FORD, Elaine Ruth
Labour and Co-operative Party – GRIFFITHS, Joan
Scottish Green Party – STANIFORTH, Alex
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – WHYTE, Iain
Ward 15 – Southside/ Newington
Scottish Green Party – BURGESS, Steve
Scottish Liberal Democrats – FLANNERY, Pauline
Scottish National Party (SNP) – KUMAR, Simita
Labour and Co-operative Party – POGSON, Tim
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – ROSE, Cameron
Ward 16 – Liberton/ Gilmerton
Labour and Co-operative Party – CAMERON, Lezley Marion
Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – CHRISTIE, James Demare
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – DOGGART, Philip
Scottish Socialist Party – FOX, Colin
Scottish National Party (SNP) – MACINNES, Lesley
Scottish National Party (SNP) – MATTOS COELHO, Martha
Labour and Co-operative Party – MEASOM, Ishrat
Alba Party for independence – MERON, Abu
Scottish Green Party – NICHOL, John
Scottish Liberal Democrats – PLANCHE, Madeleine Rani Frances
Ward 17 – Portobello/ Craigmillar
Scottish National Party (SNP) – CAMPBELL, Kate
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – JONES, Tim
Independent – MCDONALD, Andrew
Labour and Co-operative Party – MEAGHER, Jane Elizabeth
Scottish Green Party – MUMFORD, Alys
Labour and Co-operative Party – PUGH, Heather
Scottish Liberal Democrats – REILLY, Jill
Scottish National Party (SNP) – SHEDDEN, Simon Clark
Alba Party for independence – TODD, Anne
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “If you haven’t yet registered to vote in these Local Government Elections, it’s not too late. The deadline for registration is midnight on 18 April.
“Remember, due to changes to polling places to ensure we keep as many schools open as possible, you might have a different polling place this time. Check your polling card carefully or use the online tool to find out where to vote on 5 May.”
The candidates nominated to stand in the City of Edinburgh’s six constituencies and the Lothian Region in the Scottish Parliament Elections on Thursday, 6 May have been announced.
Nominations for candidates closed earlier today (Wednesday 31 March). The nominated candidates for each constituency are listed in full below.
Edinburgh Central Constituency
BOB, Bonnie Prince – Independent DOUGLAS, Scott – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party JOHNSTONE, Alison – Scottish Green Party KIRKMAN, Maddy – Scottish Labour Party LAIRD, Tam – Scottish Libertarian Party MACKAY, Donald Murdo – UK Independence Party (UKIP) ROBERTSON, Angus – Scottish National Party (SNP) WILSON, Bruce Roy – Scottish Liberal Democrats
Edinburgh Eastern Constituency
COOK, Bill – Scottish Labour Party DENHAM, Ash – Scottish National Party (SNP) HUTCHISON, Graham – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party REILLY, Jill – Scottish Liberal Democrats
Edinburgh Northern and Leith Constituency
BELL, Rebecca – Scottish Liberal Democrats FACCENDA, Katrina – Scottish Labour Party LAIDLAW, Callum – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MACPHERSON, Ben – Scottish National Party (SNP) PULLMAN, Jon – Scottish Freedom Alliance SLATER, Lorna – Scottish Green Party
Edinburgh Pentlands Constituency
CAMERON, Lezley Marion – Scottish Labour Party and Scottish Co-operative Party GRAHAM, Fraser John Ashmore – Scottish Liberal Democrats LINDHURST, Gordon – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party LUCAS, Richard Crewe – Scottish Family Party MACDONALD, Gordon – Scottish National Party (SNP)
Edinburgh Southern Constituency
BRIGGS, Miles – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party HOLDEN, Philip – Scottish Family Party JOHNSON, Daniel – Scottish Labour Party and Scottish Co-operative Party MACDONALD, Catriona Mary Elizabeth – Scottish National Party (SNP) MACKINTOSH, Fred – Scottish Liberal Democrats
Edinburgh Western Constituency
COLE-HAMILTON, Alex – Scottish Liberal Democrats FRASER, Daniel – Scottish Libertarian Party GRAHAM, Margaret Arma – Scottish Labour Party MASSON, Sarah – Scottish National Party (SNP) WEBBER, Sue – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Lothian Region list:
PARTY: Abolish the Scottish Parliament Party
CANDIDATES: LECKIE, John Johnson; NICHOL, David Lindsay
GILMORE, Sheila – Scottish Labour Party
MILLER, Claire Helen Innes – Scottish Green Party
PRICE, Eleanor Margaret Louise – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
REILLY, Jill Mary – Scottish Liberal Democrats
SHEPPARD, Tommy – Scottish National Party (SNP)
Edinburgh North and Leith
ASTBURY, Heather Jane – Renew
BROCK, Deidre Leanne – Scottish National Party (SNP)
BURGESS, Steve – Scottish Green Party
MCGILL, Iain – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
MUNRO, Gordon John – Labour and Co-operative Party
SPEIRS, Robert – Brexit Party
WILSON, Bruce Roy – Scottish Liberal Democrats
Edinburgh South
BEAL, Alan Christopher – Scottish Liberal Democrats
COOK, Nick – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
MACDONALD, Catriona Mary Elizabeth – Scottish National Party
MURRAY, Ian – Scottish Labour Party
NEVENS, Kate – Scottish Green Party
Edinburgh South West
BALLANTINE, David Craig – Brexit Party
BROWN, Mev – Social Democratic Party Scotland
CHERRY, Joanna Catherine – Scottish National Party (SNP)
COOKE, Sophie – Scottish Labour Party
INGLIS, Tom – Scottish Liberal Democrats
LAIDLAW, Callum Arron – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
PARKER, Ben – Scottish Green Party
Edinburgh West
BOLTON, Craig William – Scottish Labour Party
GUNN, Elaine – Scottish Green Party
HUTCHISON, Graham James – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
JARDINE, Christine Anne – Scottish Liberal Democrats
MASSON, Sarah Louise – Scottish National Party (SNP)
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh in the UK Parliamentary Elections, said: “The forthcoming election has dominated the news for all sorts of reasons and I’m certain it’s a big talking point for residents in Edinburgh and beyond.
“It’s essential that anyone that wants to take part in the vote makes sure they are registered – it’s easy to do.
“Visit gov.uk/register-to-vote to check if you’re registered by 26 November – it only takes a few minutes. Those who have already registered will soon begin receiving poll cards – read your poll card carefully to make sure you get to the right place to cast your vote on polling day.”
To vote in the UK Parliamentary Elections on 12 December, voters must be aged 18 or over and either a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen.
Voter registration closes at midnight on Tuesday 26 November. Anyone already registered for the European Election on 23 May does not need to re-register.
However, anyone who has changed address since then needs to re-register to be able to vote in the UK Parliamentary Elections on 12 December. Visit the voter registration website to register.
Applications for postal votes must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 26 November.
Applications to vote by proxy must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 4 December.
Postal ballot packs will soon be sent out to residents who have registered. Postal voters are encouraged to return their completed ballots as soon as possible.
