Driveris jailed

experienced councillors and partly about allowing new people into local government. This isn’t about having days off, it is about setting a culture of change.”

Clydesdale West councillor Lynsey Hamilton welcomed the COSLA guidance but had some reservations. he said: “This is a step forward for female and male councillors. A minimum 28 days’ notice isn’t the easiest thing to do.

“In terms of SRAS, they should stay with the man or woman on leave, no other job would have the audacity to demote someone for having a child.”

Conservative group leader Cllr Alex Allison (Clydesdale East) also welcomed the new guidance but added: “I’m not sure how this will fit in with our standing orders.

“The way SRAS are set up is wrong. It’s wrong young mothers don’t get time off but also that those who step in to do that work don’t get recompensed for it.”

Labour group leader Cllr Joe Fagan (East Kilbride Central North) added:

“I would like to express my solidarity with the sisters who spoke earlier.

“This gives a steer to councils. It is welcome progress as local government is changing.

“The timing is unfortunate but what we have is a simple and straight forward proposal.”

A Viewpark driver was jailed for six months at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week.

Gary Murray, 31, of Mcculloch Avenue, admitted driving while disqualified on Airbles Road, Motherwell, on November 17.

He was also given a fresh 18-month driving ban.