VICTORY FOR APATHY ASFEWER THAN ONE IN THREE ELECTORS BOTHER TO VOTE
The Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election result has been announced at Waverley Court in Edinburgh.
Neil Cuthbert of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party and Conor Savage of the Scottish Labour Party have been duly elected to serve in the City of Edinburgh Council as members for the Colinton/Fairmilehead Ward.
The declaration was made in the early hours of this morning (Friday, 24 January) by Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence.
Returning Officer for Edinburgh Paul Lawrence, said: “Thanks to everyone who took part in the by-election to elect two new councillors to represent their communities on matters affecting their ward and the wider city. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Neil and Conor as new councillors and look forward to working with them.
“I would also like to thank our elections team and council colleagues who have worked so hard on this by-election in recent months – not least given the extremely challenging circumstances of rescheduling the count at such short notice due to Storm Eowyn.”
Still time to sign up for our Community Councils webinar at 6pm on Wed 29 January, when we will get an update on the Democracy Matters consultation from the Scottish Government.
The Democracy Matters engagement process asked communities to consider what the future of community decision making should look like where they live.
On 19 September 2024, COSLA and the Scottish Government published the Democracy Matters National Conversation report alongside a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to this work.
In this session Scottish Government officials will be presenting the process findings and outlining next steps for this important work.
The Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election takes place this Thursday (23 January) and residents in the ward are being urged to remember their polling cards and cast their votes.
Residents in Colinton, Fairmilehead, Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston who are aged 16 or over and have registered to vote can participate in Thursday’s by-election.
Together they will select two new councillors for the ward, which has a current electorate of 19,669. For this election there are 14,290 electors (72.7%) who have opted to vote in person and 5,379 postal voters (27.3%).
Whilst it is not mandatory to bring a polling card this will speed up the process when you arrive to cast your ballot.
Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “With the by-election fast approaching, I encourage residents of the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward to visit their local polling place on Thursday.
“Please remember your polling cards and take this opportunity to have your say. Your two new local councillors will represent your community on issues affecting the ward and Edinburgh as a whole.
“Our elections pages provide useful information on how the Single Transferable Vote system works – you can rank candidates in order of preference, choosing as many or few as you’d like.
“If you’ve requested and received a postal ballot, please return it as soon as possible to make sure your vote is counted.”
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 23 January at:
Charwood
Fairmilehead Parish Church Hall
St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall
Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre
Pentland Community Centre
The electronic election count will take place on Friday 24 January starting at 10:00am.
Draft regulations to be laid at Holyrood in autumn
Views are being sought on the implementation of the ban on MSPs from also serving as MPs or in the House of Lords.
Following the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill being passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament in December, a consultation seeking views on the principles and practical issues of ending dual mandates has launched.
The consultation, which runs until 23 March, looks at issues such as grace periods once elected and salary or parliamentary limitations during this period.
The Bill places a duty on Scottish Ministers to bring forward regulations which prohibit MSPs from also serving in the House of Commons or the House of Lords, and may additionally prohibit MSPs from also serving as councillors.
The regulations will be laid in autumn 2025 so they are in place for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, and will be subject to scrutiny and a vote by MSPs.
Minister for Parliamentary Business Jamie Hepburn said: “Following the unanimous passage of the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill in December, MSPs will be barred from also being an MP or Peer through regulations to be brought forward in autumn 2025.
“This consultation on the issue will allow political parties, local government and most importantly the public to comment on the details of how that will work in practice, ahead of the practice being ended before the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.”
LABOUR ADMINISTRATION LIMPS ON WITH TORY AND LIB DEM SUPPORT
LABOUR councillor Jane Meagher has been appointed as the new Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council.
Former Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Ms Meagher replaces Labour’s Cammy Day, who resigned as council leader on Monday 9 December following serious allegations of misconduct.
The former leader, who is suspended from the Labour group while under investigation, did not not attend the meeting in person but voted online.
An attempt by the SNP – the biggest party in the City Chambers – to take over the running of Edinburgh with Green and Independent support was defeated in a vote as the minority Labour administration clung on to power backed by Tory and Lib Dem councillors. Labour holds just TEN seats in Edinburgh.
Leith Labour councillor Katrina Faccenda abstained in the vote.
Council Leader Jane Meaghersaid: “This has been an extremely difficult and damaging time for the Council. Today was an opportunity to restore stability and to get on with the business of running the city.
“As we count to down to 2025 – and to the challenging budget and other decisions that await us in the new year – we need stability, confidence and consensus.
“I know from speaking to colleagues from other political groups that they agree – and that’s what I’ve committed to today.
“I am, by my nature, a consensus builder – willing to take on board others’ views, willing to compromise and willing to take the type of decisions that will help and benefit the people of Edinburgh – particularly those most in need of our support.
“That’s the kind of leadership we need, and that’s what I’m determined to deliver for the city I’ve lived in for 50 years.”
Ms Meagher took part in the crisis council meeting while away on a family holiday in Tanzania.
The First Minister has published a new edition of the Scottish Ministerial Code, further strengthening the processes to support transparency, accountability and independent scrutiny.
The new Code includes an enhanced role for Independent Advisers which allows them to initiate investigations into alleged breaches of the Ministerial Code when they feel it is warranted and without a direct referral from the First Minister. If a breach is established, advisers will be able to recommend appropriate sanctions.
In addition, the Advisers will play a role in reviewing the processes in place to manage the annual review of Ministers’ declarations of interest. The Terms of Reference for the Advisers has also published for the first time.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The updated Scottish Ministerial Code, my first as First Minister, contains the most significant changes since 2008.
“The strengthening of the Code gives a clear focus on public service and duty and the enhanced role of the Independent Advisers assures greater scrutiny, transparency and accountability.
“The new Independent Advisers Claire Loftus, Sir John Manzoni and Sir Ernest Ryder will provide invaluable advice and recommendations to me, ensuring Ministers are acting at the very highest standards of integrity and propriety.
“My thanks to former Independent Advisers Lady Elish Angiolini and James Hamilton for their many years of public service.”
The candidates standing in the forthcoming Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election have been confirmed. 13 candidates have been nominated to stand in the by-election, which will elect two new councillors, on Thursday 23 January 2025.
The candidates standing for election are:
Bonnie Prince Bob, Independent
Mev Brown, Independent
Mairianna Clyde, Scottish National Party (SNP)
Neil Cuthbert, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
David Henry, Independent
Nick Hornig, Independent
Grant Lidster, Reform UK
Richard Crewe Lucas, Scottish Family Party
Daniel Aleksanteri Milligan, Scottish Greens
Mark Ney-Party, Independent
Peter Alexander Nicholson, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Conor Savage, Scottish Labour Party
Marc Wilkinson, Independent
Returning Officer for the City of Edinburgh Paul Lawrence, said: “With nominations now closed and just over a month remaining until polls open, residents of the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward can start considering who they will vote for in the upcoming by-election. It’s important to make sure you’re registered to vote by 7 January 2025, to make your voice heard.
“Councillors play a key role in our democratic system, making crucial decisions that impact our city. I encourage as many residents as possible to take part in this by-election.
“The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference by assigning numbers rather than just marking a single cross. You can choose to vote for as many or as few candidates as you wish.”
Poll cards will be delivered to registered voters in the area from today (Wednesday 18 December) including further information on when and where to vote.
If you live in the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward you must register to vote by 7 January and anyone wishing to vote by post can sign up for a new postal vote up until 8 January 2025.
You can also apply for someone to vote on your behalf via proxy, with the deadline for new proxy vote applications on 15 January 2025 (for registered voters).
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and will be at:
Charwood
Fairmilehead Parish Church Hall
St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall
Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre
Pentland Community Centre
The electronic election count will take place on Friday 24 January 2025 starting at 9:30am.
The by-election follows the resignations of Councillors Marco Biagi and Louise Spence in November 2024.
Legislation which will enhance Scotland’s democratic processes has been backed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament.
The Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill has passed its final stage, maintaining and improving Scotland’s robust electoral system.
The Bill contains a mix of technical and other improvements such as improving candidate and campaigner safety and advancing candidacy rights.
The new law introduces a ban on people from being MSPs if they are convicted of a sexual offence or subject to a sexual offence order.
In addition, MSPs will be barred from also being an MP or Peer through regulations to be brought forward in 2025 so they can be in place in time for the 2026 Scottish elections. The details of the regulations will be informed through a consultation beginning next month.
Parliamentary Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Since 1999 the Scottish Parliament has improved participation, extended voting rights, and enabled more people to stand for election and this legislation seeks to continue the evolution of our democracy.
“It will modernise Scottish elections and take important steps to safeguard our democracy for voters, candidates and administrators.
“Through positive cross-party working, we have agreed a robust set of improvements to the law, which will deliver real benefits to voters and prospective candidates.”
Nominations opened on Friday (6 December) for candidates to stand in the forthcoming Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election.
The by-election is being held following the resignations of Councillor Marco Biagi (SNP) and Councillor Louise Spence (Lib Dems) last month.
On Thursday 23 January 2025, Colinton/Fairmilehead residents will go to the polls to elect two new councillors to represent the ward which also includes Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston.
The current electorate is 19,907 and turnout at the most recent by-election was 37.4%.
A Formal Notice of Election was also published today explaining how to stand as a candidate, who is eligible to vote and how to make sure you are on the Electoral Register.
Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.
In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by 4pm on Tuesday 17 December.
Returning Officer for the City of Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period for the Colinton / Fairmilehead ward.
“I would urge all residents in the ward to make sure they are registered and have their details or preference of how they would like to vote up to date in plenty of time.
“Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 23 January 2025. Details of these will be announced in due course.
The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system where voters can rank candidates in order of preference rather than using a single cross. Voters can give a rank to as many or as few candidates as they like.
People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election. Find out more about elections in Edinburgh and how to register to vote on the Council website.
The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday 7 January 2025, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is Wednesday 8 January 2025, and for a proxy vote the deadline is Wednesday 15 January 2025.
New research from Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland reveals that 70% of all councils believe they will be unable to pass a balanced budget within the next five years without immediate changes.
The second annual State of Local Government Finance in Scotland, found councils are taking every measure available to balance their budgets including raising council tax, reducing expenditure and increasing fees and charges, sharing services and engaging in commercial activity. However, many councils believe this will still not be enough to prevent the risk of an unbalanced budget.
Nearly every respondent said they believe cuts to services will have a negative impact on quality of life in their council, and over 90% that cuts will increase the risks to vulnerable people.
The report found satisfaction with the Scottish Government is alarmingly poor across the sector. Not a single respondent said they were happy with the Scottish Government’s performance on delivering a sustainable funding system or considering local government in wider policy decisions.
Respondents representing 84% of Scottish councils, made up of council leaders, CEOs and CFOs said times are increasingly hard for local authorities, with ongoing pressure from the cost of living crisis and inflation adding new burdens on top of long-term challenges: demographic change, financing of Scottish Government priorities, and pressures with recruitment and retention of staff.
With councils’ confidence in the sustainability of council finances critically low, the sector is in favour of widespread reform, including multi-year financial settlements, ending ring-fencing, and reform of council tax.
Councils are optimistic about the role that local government, sufficiently funded and empowered, could have to advance the prevention agenda, tackle local and national shared priorities, deliver services and empower communities.
The report recommends an agreed national convention between Scottish Government and local government to cover procedures and actions that would then be needed to set a balanced budget; enshrining in legislation the principles of the Verity House Agreement, and committing to an annual review by Scottish Parliament covering the key principles.
Some of the medium to long-term recommendations include reconsidering a whole-system approach to funding wider public finances including a review of council tax, the funding formula and increasing the range of revenue-raising options available for councils.
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU Scotland, said: “This year’s results make for grim reading about the state of local government finances in Scotland. The message from our second annual State of Local Government Finance in Scotland builds on last year: we are nearing the point of no return. The report paints a picture of a system under continual and significant strain, with the scale of financial pressures increasing from 2023.
“Local government finances in Scotland are hanging by a thread. However, the thread has not yet broken. Today’s report delivers a stark warning that councils are in a precarious financial position and there is not much time until the sector starts to see potentially catastrophic consequences.
“Change is urgently needed. Councils will soon be unable to balance their budgets, meet their statutory duties, or provide for their communities. We need to change course now before it is too late.
“The challenge now is how do we move from the situation we are in now, to one where councils are able to deliver the transformative impact they are confident that they could deliver.
“Reform is necessary, empowerment will be essential, and trust between Scottish Government and local government – in a critically poor state – must be restored.”
The LGIU asked Scotland’s Council Leaders, Chief Executives and Chief Finance Officers about their experiences trying to run councils in the last financial year, and their views on how councils’ financial sustainability could be assured.
COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Katie Hagmann, commented:“The publication of today’s report by the LGIU highlights the sheer scale of the financial challenges facing our councils.
“The fact that 70% of councils in Scotland may be unable to balance budgets in the near future should serve as a warning to all. Additionally, it emphasises the need for the Scottish Government to provide Local Government with an increased funding settlement which is both fair and flexible in 2025/26.
“COSLA also welcomes the LGIU’s call for a whole system approach to Local Government finance.
“This echoes our asks in our ‘Invest Locally in Scotland’s Future’ budget lobbying campaign. Without a clear focus on prevention and upstream investment, along with local flexibility, our councils will be unable to tackle higher demand, in key areas such as homelessness prevention and social care.
“COSLA is calling for the Scottish Government to provide at least £14.5bn in revenue funding and £872m in capital funding in the 2025/26 Budget.
Meeting this demand would not make up for the cuts councils have faced and felt by our communities in recent years, however it would be a positive step forward in providing fair and flexible funding to meet the challenges outlined in the LGIU report.”
