Latest news with #ColetteMcDiarmid
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
Society of Editors condemns Scottish Labour over 'absurd' fake newspaper
The industry body, which represents around 400 UK national and regional media editors, accused Scottish Labour of 'attempting to mislead voters' with an 'absurd practice' that is 'damaging to democracy'. In multiple posts to social media, its activists and politicians have been pictured campaigning with copies of 'Scotland's Voice' – which appears to be a multiple page campaign leaflet in the format of a newspaper. One copy had the headline 'Ready To Deliver Scotland's New Direction' while another had 'Scotland's Best Days Are Ahead Of Us', accompanied by a picture of leader Anas Sarwar (below). I'm delighted to announce that I have been selected as @ScottishLabour candidate for Strathkelvin & Bearsden. This constituency needs an MSP who will fight for them in parliament. This morning I was in Lennoxtown, speaking to voters. They want change at Holyrood in 2026. — Cllr Colette McDiarmid (@coletteeastdun) August 16, 2025 Previously, the Society of Editors has hit out at political parties for using fake newspapers as campaign material, pledging to "name and shame" culprits after a row with the Liberal Democrats for publishing a similar fake newspaper in 2023. Now, it has taken aim at Scottish Labour – saying that distributing fake newspapers is 'insulting to the electorate'. 'The society has long campaigned against the use of fake newspapers and we are disappointed to see Scottish Labour deploying this mimicry in communication with voters in Scotland,' Dawn Alford, chief executive of the Society of Editors told The National. READ MORE: Jonathon Shafi: Farcical mass arrests expose Labour's failings over Palestine "At a time when transparent and accurate news and information is demanded by the public more than ever, political parties should be working to promote the real local news industry as an impartial and trusted source of news and information rather than attempting to mislead voters through the continued use of this absurd practice.' She then added: 'It is damaging to democracy and insulting to the electorate who deserve to be communicated with in an open and transparent manner." The SNP also previously took aim at the campaigning material. 'It is deeply ironic that Labour now claim to be Scotland's voice when their Scottish leadership has failed to stand up to their London bosses on one single issue since they came to power last year,' George Adam MSP told The National. During the Southside by-election in Glasgow in March, the SNP also took aim at a leaflet which claimed that GB Energy is 'lowering bills and creating jobs'. READ MORE: Two charged after alleged 'gangland firebombing' of Edinburgh taxi firm Keir Starmer, in comments which have been often repeated by his opponents, previously said Labour would help 'families save up to £300 off their energy bills' by 2030. However, the party has faced accusations of having 'lied' to the UK public after Ofgem announced that the price cap would rise to £1849 per year from April – an almost £300 increase since Labour entered government in July 2024. Bob Doris, the SNP MSP for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn, then hit out at the 'mock newspaper', which he said had been 'designed by Labour to intentionally mislead voters'. He then asked: 'Will Anas Sarwar do the right thing and recall it from further circulation?" Scottish Labour have been approached for comment.
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Labour slammed for fake ‘Scotland's Voice' newspaper
It comes as the party have announced a slate of new candidates in recent weeks with the 2026 Holyrood election on the horizon. In multiple posts to social media, activists and politicians have been pictured campaigning with copies of 'Scotland's Voice' – which appears to be a multiple page campaign leaflet in the format of a newspaper. READ MORE: Scottish university ranked among worst in the UK for Palestine repression One copy had the headline 'Ready To Deliver Scotland's New Direction' while another has 'Scotland's Best Days Are Ahead Of Us', accompanied by a picture of leader Anas Sarwar. I'm delighted to announce that I have been selected as @ScottishLabour candidate for Strathkelvin & Bearsden. This constituency needs an MSP who will fight for them in parliament. This morning I was in Lennoxtown, speaking to voters. They want change at Holyrood in 2026. — Cllr Colette McDiarmid (@coletteeastdun) August 16, 2025 SNP MSP George Adam took aim at the campaigning material, 'It is deeply ironic that Labour now claim to be Scotland's voice when their Scottish leadership has failed to stand up to their London bosses on one single issue since they came to power last year,' he told The National. Previously, the Society of Editors has hit out at political parties for using fake newspapers as campaign material, pledging to "name and shame" culprits. "We have written to representatives of all political parties urging them to put an end to this mimicry as well as vowing to name and shame those who continue to attempt to pull the wool over voters' eyes," the society said in January 2024. During the Southside by-election in Glasgow in March, the SNP also took aim at a leaflet which claimed that GB Energy is 'lowering bills and creating jobs'. READ MORE: Two charged after alleged 'gangland firebombing' of Edinburgh taxi firm Keir Starmer, in comments which have been often repeated by his opponents, previously said Labour would help 'families save up to £300 off their energy bills' by 2030. However, the party has faced accusations of having 'lied' to the UK public after Ofgem announced that the price cap would rise to £1849 per year from April – an almost £300 increase since Labour entered government in July 2024. Bob Doris, the SNP MSP for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn, then hit out at the 'mock newspaper', which he said had been 'designed by Labour to intentionally mislead voters'. He then asked: 'Will Anas Sarwar do the right thing and recall it from further circulation?" Scottish Labour have been approached for comment.
Glasgow Times
09-07-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
East Dunbartonshire residents honoured as community champions
The Provost's Community Champion Awards 2025 celebrated those who selflessly contribute to their communities. Residents were asked to nominate individuals who they felt made outstanding contributions, whether through volunteering, fundraising, or other selfless acts. Provost Gillian Renwick and Depute Provost Colette McDiarmid selected the winners after a detailed judging process. The six champions were identified as: Arts & Heritage Champion Craig Taylor, Caring Champion Debbie Ritchie, Community Champion Seamus Harkin, Sports Champion Stuart Strawhorn, Sustainability Champion Denis Bell, and Young Champion Anna Phin. Details about each winner will be revealed over the coming weeks as they meet the Provost and Depute Provost to receive their awards. READ MORE: This Glasgow estate is 'an island' with no shops, post box or decent bus service Provost Renwick said: "I set up the awards because, as I attend events across the area, I see first-hand all the time, what wonderful and invaluable work is being done by people in the service of others. "I felt it was right that we find a way to acknowledge and reward their efforts. "Picking winners was not easy at all as we read so many interesting, moving and inspiring stories, but our winners are truly deserving of this accolade. "Between them they dedicate countless hours in projects, groups, and clubs across the area helping other people. "My thanks to everyone who nominated and, of course, a huge thanks and congratulations to our winners for all that they do. "I look forward to meeting them and sharing their stories with everyone in East Dunbartonshire."
