I’M SORRY FOR BREAKING THE COVID RULES SAYS MINISTER IN CHARGE OF, ER, COVID RULES
THE SNP Minister tasked with setting out Covid election rules was forced to apologise yesterday – for breaching his own advice on the first day of campaigning.
Graeme Dey, who is standing in Angus South, was seen with a group of supporters.
The Parliamentary Business Minister had outlined strict safety measures relating to canvassing, following ‘genuine concern’ about the spread of the coronavirus.
He stipulated that a maximum of four people from two households were able to meet up for leafleting, and that candidates may travel outside their local authority area only for essential campaigning.
Yet just hours after the election campaign was launched on Thursday, Mr Dey broke his own rules.
Images posted on social media showed him posing with at least eight SNP supporters in an effort to ‘mark the first day of the Scottish election campaign’.
Some of the people in the pictures appear to have travelled from other council areas, in breach of Covid restrictions. The SNP has also acknowledged that some of the youngsters there exceeded the number allowed in a group.
Scottish Labour candidate Graeme McKenzie, who is running against Mr Dey, said: ‘The total disregard for any Covid laws that
‘Disregard for Covid laws is sickening’
are in place is sickening. It is truly a kick in the teeth to the people of Angus South, some of whom have not seen family members or friends for over a year.
‘I would like to see Mr Dey look those people in the eye and say he hasn’t done anything wrong’
Scottish Tory candidate Maurice Golden said: ‘Urgent guidance is needed as we enter this hectic phase of campaigning. Clearly
there’s still some confusion about what is and isn’t permitted.’
Early this month, Mr Dey was made responsible for briefing MSPs on Covid-compliant campaigning rules.
Face-to-face door canvassing can begin only on April 5, when coronavirus restrictions are eased. Currently, young people between the ages of 12 to 17 can meet in groups of up to four, from four different households.
Last night, an SNP spokesman said Mr Dey regretted the breach, adding: ‘Activists had arranged a small, outdoor socially distanced photograph involving young people drawn from the nearby area. Unfortunately, the number of young people who came along exceeded the permitted numbers under current Covid guidance.
‘Mr Dey recognises there was a breach, however inadvertently, of what is allowed and he offers his unreserved apologies.’