MP’s death prompts review of safety
Risk assessments for councillor surgeries in West Lothian are to be reviewed following the death of Southend MP, Sir David Amess.
Councillors in the county have not held face-to-face surgeries for 19 months because of the pandemic regulations.
These are now being eased back in, with plans to begin holding hybrid meetings within the Livingston Civic Centre chambers by the end of the year.
A spokesperson for West Lothian Council said the authority is offering new guidance to councillors.
The added: “A session on personal safety training was delivered with the councillor training following the last council election and all elected members have previously been offered access to security devices which have the red alert function which provides access to emergency services.
“Contact has been made with all elected members across Scotland to provide guidance and support in the wake of this recent tragic incident and we will be following up with additional guidance/ training for West Lothian councillors.
“Our councillors have not conducted face-to-face surgeries over the past 19 months and the council will be reviewing all risk assessments prior to these surgeries recommencing in the future.”
Local politicians also spoke of their shock following the MP’s death.
Conservative group leader on the council , Damian Doran-Timson, said: “Sir David Amess gave decades of his life
to public service and to have his life taken in this way is cruel and devastating.
“Sir David was known as a hardworking and extremely likeable man by all who knew him.
“MPs, like all elected members have to be accessible to the general public, but this kind of appalling incident will have to result in MPs safety and security being reviewed and improved.
“My thoughts are with Sir David’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
And Martyn Day, MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk, paid tribute to the MP.
He said Sir David was held in very high regard across the political spectrum.
Martyn Day added: “Despite our differing party allegiances and political views, I was good friends with Sir David Amess MP.
“I am very concerned by this shocking incident.
“I could say I’m traumatised by the news which is still sinking in.
“David, his family and staff are in my thoughts and prayers.
“I have known David since I was first elected to Parliament.
“He was a joy to work with on the Administration Select Committee and we have remained on good terms as crossparty friends since.
“I have never met anyone who didn’t like him across the house.
“I have worked cross party with David on a number of issues.
“This loss will affect many of us across the political spectrum.”
Mr Day added: “Everyone needs to take these attacks seriously, irrespective of party politics.
“A family has lost a husband and a father, many of us have lost a friend and the openness of our democracy has been further undermined.
“Safety and security are of paramount importance and something I keep under constant review.”