Holyrood election results expected to be late
MAY’S Holyrood election won’t be postponed due to Covid-19, Scotland’s parliamentary business minister has said, but results are expected later than usual.
The election, due to take place on May 6, has been subject to speculation as to whether it will be able to go ahead due to public health measures, but the Scottish Government insists voters will go to the polls. However, the county will take place on the Friday and Saturday.
Graeme Dey told MSPs: “It is as a result of the hard work of electoral professionals over the course of the winter that I am confident the election can go ahead on May 6.
“This is also the view of Malcolm Burr, convener of the Electoral Management Board. One of the steps taken – the Scottish General Election (Coronavirus) Act – was the result of close working between all parties in this Chamber and our electoral community.
“It is fundamental for a democracy to hold scheduled elections, provided it is safe to do so.”
While lockdown is still in place, candidates and their agents are able to travel to the constituency in which they are standing and consideration is being given to whether this may be extended to party leader.
Parties will have to wait until April 5 for doorstep canvassing to be back on the campaign trail, subject to the stay-at-home order being lifted that day, along with daily positivity falling below five per cent.
ACTRESS Emily Atack says her time in the jungle on I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here made her finally accept her body. The 31-year-old said she has been constantly criticised over her weight but her spell on the ITV show helped her with insecurities as she couldn’t hide from the cameras no matter what she was wearing. Emily said: “My weight has long been criticised [on social media], so wearing a bikini in the jungle was a daunting prospect. But the experience forced me to rebuild my relationship with my body – because there was nowhere to hide. “I had to embrace those insecurities and I returned from Australia feeling free. “Eating out less over the past year, I’ve inadvertently lost a stone – but my confidence doesn’t hinge on a number on the scales.” She was also thrilled that viewers reacted positively when she had to ditch make-up and fake tan in the jungle, which she has worn since she was 13. Emily added: “I was nervous about going barefaced. People watching were able to see beneath the fake tan armour and it was so heart-warming when I realised they accepted that version of me – freckles, messy hair and all.” The Inbetweeners star admits she loves and hates social media. She said: “The online world is a doubleedged sword. My DMs should be a safe space, but everyone’s allowed to say what they like.” During lockdown Emily has been keeping fit by boxing and doing intermittent fasting. But she has also been tapping into her spiritual side with meditation. She added: “I believe in positive energy and manifestation – that what you put out into the universe, you get back.” ● Read the full interview in the April issue of Women’s Health UK.
A FILM released by the charity set up in memory of tragic footballer Chris Mitchell will highlight the impact of his death – and remarkable legacy.
Yesterday’s launch of the project by the Chris Mitchell Foundation and SPFL Trust coincided with news that all 42 SPFL clubs enrolled staff in mental health first aid training, delivered by the groups.
Midfielder Chris, from Bridge of Allan, near Stirling, took his own life in May 2016 at the age of 27, after suffering mental health issues when injury ended his career.
He starred for Falkirk, Ayr United, Bradford City, Queen of the South and Clyde as well as the Scotland under-21 team.
The film, Mitch: What happened next?, is a sequel to Mitch from 2018, which featured six of Chris’s friends discussing his passing and sharing their memories of him.
This new film features Chris’s dad Philip, his friend Rangers star Scott Arfield, and three training participants.
Philip said: “I want to thank the people that have taken part. You’re helping Scottish football to have a conversation that is desperately needed.”
Bernadette Malone, chair, SPFL Trust, added: “Our partnership with the Chris Mitchell Foundation was born out of tragedy. But from that darkness there has been some light. Scottish football is now talking about mental
health.”