The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Election campaigning to resume following pause to mark death of prince
Election campaigning will resume following a pause to mark the death of the Duke of Edinburgh but will be suspended again on Saturday for his funeral, it has been confirmed.
Elections to the Scottish and Welsh parliaments and for councillors, mayors and police and crime commissioners in England will be held on May 6 but campaigning came to a halt on Friday after the prince’s death was announced.
Tributes to the duke will be made during a special sitting of the Scottish Parliament today, as well as the House of Commons and the Welsh Senedd.
Some campaigning will get under way immediately after the session but parties have confirmed proceedings will be suspended again on April 17, the day of his funeral.
Conservative Party co-chair Amanda Milling said: “The respectful pause to campaigning will end on Tuesday morning.”
The Scottish Conservatives confirmed their campaign will resume tomorrow, pausing on Saturday to mark the funeral. Labour said that leafleting will be permitted after tributes in Parliament today with a “full return to campaigning” the following day.
A minute’s silence will be observed at 11am when MSPs return to Holyrood, then party leaders will make short statements paying tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh.
It is expected the House of Lords – due to resume today following recess – will start proceedings with an address of condolence to the Queen.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Prince Philip’s long contribution to public life in Scotland will leave a profound mark on its people.”
Guidance from the Cabinet Office issued on Saturday said it is up to the organisers of sporting events if they wish to continue fixtures as planned next weekend.
They were told they may wish to consider black armbands for players and observing a silence before matches.
Businesses are not expected to close during the period of national mourning lasting until the day after the funeral.
“Respectful pause to campaigning will end on Tuesday