200 not out? Female

Dugdale’s plan to restrict MSPs outside earnings

MSPS face a ban on making huge sums of money from a second job under plans Scottish Labour will set out in its manifesto.

Kezia Dugdale’s party will pledge to introduce a Member’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament that limits what Holyrood politicians can earn outside of their MSP role.

Despite the powers being held in Holyrood, Labour will include the plan in their Westminster manifesto. HERE is a breakdown of the Press Association’s projection for the number of women MPs likely to be elected to parliament, based on a large Conservative majority. same seats as at the 2015 general election, 206 female MPs would be elected, up 15 on the number in 2015.

In the event of a large Tory majority, the amount of female MPs in England could fall from 177 to 167.

By contrast, the number in Wa l e s and Scotland would increase, from nine to 10 and 18 to 20 respectively.

Angela Crawley, SNP equality spokesperson, said: “The SNP is committed to securing equality, and in recent years the SNP has led the way with Scotland’s first woman First Minister and the UK’s first gender- balanced cabinet – as well as significantly increasing the number of SNP women representatives at Holyrood, Westminster and in local government.

“While significant progress has been made we know there is still more to do to ensure full equality for women and other under-represented groups. A vote for the SNP

As it stands, MSPs make around £58,000 but the crackdown would limit the time and earnings from any additional job.

It might mean Tory MSP Alexander Burnett could no longer benefit up to £130,000 from farming and land ownership and the SNP’s Alex Neil would have to resign his £15,000 position on the advisory panel for Ethx Energy.

It could also mean Miss Dugdale on June 8 is a vote for a strong team of SNP MPs that will champion equality and much- needed reforms of the broken Westminster political system.”

The Scottish Conservatives were criticised for a lack of diversity during the local elections campaign after it emerged that fewer than one in five of their town hall candidates were female.

Scottish Conservative equalities spokeswoman Annie Wells said: “Around a third of Scottish herself could no longer make money as a newspaper columnist, though she has said she donates those earnings to charity.

Dugdale said: “This isn’t just the manifesto for a Labour government across the UK.

“It’s a manifesto for delivering change here in Scotland.

“Through Member’s Bills in the Scottish Parliament, Labour can help to grow our economy, restore faith in Conservative candidates for the General Election are female.

“This is a huge improvement, demonstrating we’re absolutely committed to getting more women right to the top in politics.

“After the successful launch by myself, Ruth ( Davidson) and the Prime Minister back in March, it’s great to see so many more of our supporters feeling more encouraged to put their name on the ballot paper.”

Scottish Labour said 50% of its our democracy and give people a fair chance in life.

“The SNP Government in Edinburgh has been so obsessed with its pursuit of another divisive independence referendum that it hasn’t passed a single piece of legislation in over a year.

“Scottish Labour is ready to step in to change our laws and make Scotland a fairer and better place.”