Latest news with #JamieMcGuire
Daily Record
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Politician takes aim at Renfrewshire Labour leadership after councillor's Reform UK defection
Councillor Andy Doig has had a pop at the group's stewardship after Councillor Jamie McGuire's controversial switch. The leadership of Renfrewshire's Labour group could be "in tatters" after it lost a councillor to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, a veteran politician has claimed. Councillor Andy Doig, an independent, has taken aim at Councillor Iain McMillan and suggested the party is "going backwards" in the chambers under his stewardship. It comes after it was announced on Monday that Councillor Jamie McGuire, who also used to work in Alison Taylor MP's office, had decided to switch allegiance. Councillor Doig, who represents Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, said: "I have known Iain McMillan for decades and I like him and respect him as an individual, however, the defection of one of the Labour group's youngest councillors Jamie McGuire to the odious Reform UK really marks Iain out as a lame duck leader. "Since 2022, Renfrewshire Labour have lost three councillors and now have one less councillor than they had in 2017. "Under his stewardship Labour in the council chambers are going backwards and that is a concern because it is healthy for local democracy to provide a level of scrutiny and Labour are the main opposition." Councillor Eddie Devine left Labour in October 2022 and was followed by Councillor John Hood within a month. The pair have continued as independent elected members since. But Councillor McGuire, who dismissed suggestions from Councillor McMillan he isn't a "team player" on Tuesday, has taken a different path and joined former Conservative councillors Alec Leishman and John Gray at Reform UK. Councillor Doig added: "Jamie McGuire seemed to me to be somewhat of a protégé of Iain McMillan's. Iain would feed him questions at the economy and regeneration policy board and they shared a joint passion for all things, red, white, and blue. "However, that relationship is now in tatters and so too may be Councillor McMillan's leadership of the Labour group." Councillor McMillan, who represents Johnstone South and Elderslie, was unfazed by the comments and said his party will continue to hold the SNP administration to account. He added: "Andy has a record of falling out with parties himself and it's quite clear I have the support of the Labour group, having just been unanimously elected as the group leader for the fourth time last week."
Glasgow Times
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Renfrewshire Labour councillor defects to Reform UK
Jamie McGuire, who was first elected in May 2022 to represent constituents in Renfrew and North Braehead, is the first Scottish Labour councillor to join Nigel Farage's party. Reform UK confirmed the defection while Farage was campaigning in Hamilton ahead of a Scottish Parliament by-election on Thursday. READ MORE: 'Armour clad nation': Keir Starmer major speech in Glasgow McGuire is the third councillor in Renfrewshire, and the 12th overall in Scotland, to join the party. We are delighted to welcome former Scottish Labour Councillor @JamieMcGuire__ ✅ — Reform UK Scotland (@ReformUKScot) June 2, 2025 His defection follows Councillor Alec Leishman and Councillor Gray moving from the Scottish Conservatives early this year. Scottish Labour have been approached for comment.
The National
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Labour councillor defects to Reform UK
Reform UK leader announced the defection while Nigel Farage was due to arrive for a campaign visit to Hamilton, where a crucial Holyrood by-election is taking place on Thursday. Jamie McGuire is the first councillor to defect from Scottish Labour to Reform UK. McGuire is a councillor for Renfrew North and Braehead on Renfrewshire council. Reform UK tweeted: "We are delighted to welcome former Scottish Labour Councillor @JamieMcGuire__" (Image: Twitter/X) It comes after a Scottish Tory councillor defected to Reform UK earlier on Monday while Farage and Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice were visiting Aberdeen. Duncan Massey, a councillor at Aberdeen City Council, said only Reform UK could "bring the change" that is needed in Scotland. McGuire's defection brings the total number of Reform UK councillors in Scotland to 12. Prior to Monday, the last councillor to defect to Reform UK was former Tory councillor Poppy Corbett, while Glasgow's Thomas Kerr defected from the Tories in January. The full list of Reform UK councillors in Scotland is: Duncan Massey (Aberdeen City) Laurie Carnie (Aberdeenshire) Mark Findlater (Aberdeenshire) Claire Mackie Brown (Falkirk) Jamie McGuire (Renfrewshire) Thomas Kerr (Glasgow) Stewart Ferguson (North Ayrshire) Matthew McLean (North Ayrshire) Ross Lambie (South Lanarkshire) John Gray (Renfrewshire) Alec Leishman (Renfrewshire) Poppy Corbett (South Lanarkshire) More to follow...
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Daily Record
Playpark fears lead to calls for photos of kids without consent to be outlawed
Calls for the photographing of children to be made a criminal offence come after concerns were made regarding suspicious behaviour at parks across Scotland. A Scots councillor has called for kids being photographed without their consent to be made a criminal offence. There have been repeated claims about incidents at public parks in Scotland involving children being pictured by strangers, with many of these not resulting in police action. The claims have led to calls to tighten up legislation surrounding capturing images in public spaces, with this currently only being covered by breach of the peace laws. Police have been urged to put on extra patrols at Robertson Park in Renfrew due to concerns about child safety, with Scottish Labour councillor Jamie McGuire claiming that they have committed to this. He spoke about ensuring that parks are a safe place for kids to play as tensions rise in the community. The Renfrew North and Braehead representative told the Scottish Daily Express: "Law and order is essential to keeping our communities safe, and I welcome the increased attention being given to Robertson Park by both Police Scotland and Renfrewshire Council. CCTV footage is now being reviewed, and monitoring in the area has been stepped up following the recent incidents. "I've asked for more visible patrols from both police and council officers, particularly at key times of day, to make sure families and young people feel safe using the park. These incidents have caused understandable concern in the community, and rightly so. "One of the most disturbing reports is that individuals have been taking photographs of children in the park. Let me be absolutely clear: this is completely unacceptable and should be treated as a criminal offence. It is wrong on every level and deeply distressing for any parent or young person. "I'll continue to press for strong and coordinated action to ensure this behaviour is stopped, those responsible are held to account, and Robertson Park remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone." Unconfirmed reports have been published on a local social media page which claimed that men were acting aggressively towards children and teenagers, including taking pictures of them. Community pages across the central belt have been swamped with allegations that strangers have been taking pictures of children, with incidents reported in Drumchapel, Dalmuir, Saltcoats and Shettleston, as well as in Edinburgh. Police Scotland released a statement after two men in Paisley were charged with "breach of the peace" following an incident which took place at Barshaw Park in the town on Mother's Day. Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: 'Given concerns about filming, I would ask people to remind anyone videoing or photographing in public to respect those around them. Police officers balance the rights of people to film with the potential to cause fear or alarm and make decisions based on individual circumstances. 'I would encourage responsible use of social media and ask people not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources. It is not illegal to take photographs or video footage in public places unless it is for criminal purposes.' Police Scotland said it hadn't receive any reports of pictures being taken at Robertson Park. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Daily Record
App trialled by Renfrewshire Council for reporting antisocial behaviour receives 'mixed feedback'
A six-week pilot of the technology took place earlier this year. An app trialled by Renfrewshire Council for the reporting of antisocial behaviour has received "mixed feedback" from officers and residents. A six-week pilot of the technology, which allows users to collect and submit noise recordings, diary sheets and videos, took place earlier this year. The test period was welcomed by elected members, including Councillor Jamie McGuire, a Labour representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, who previously said it marked an "important step" in tackling the problem. A report to the communities and housing policy board on Tuesday provided an update on the trial and what the local authority learned during the process. The paper, authored by Gordon McNeil, director of environment, housing and infrastructure, said: "A pilot project to test the use of the 'ASB App' has recently concluded. "The app provides additional functionality, it is an all-round tool which enables users to collect and submit noise recordings, diary sheets and videos at the time of an incident. "The app is available across all app stores and where a user cannot access the app for any reason a web-based version is available. "It is not intended to replace the traditional methods, which are still available, including telephone, email, in writing and in person as requested, as an addition to existing ways of reporting antisocial behaviour. "There was mixed feedback from officers and customers on ease of use of the app. "Comments ranged from customers liking the accessibility of the app and feeling that we were taking their complaints seriously to others feeling disappointed that their expectations are raised when submitting information via the app, expecting a guaranteed result due to information being submitted. "Whilst the information may assist in investigations, like all other forms of information, it may not always result in action being taken or resolution of issues that exist. "Based on this feedback, work is progressing to further develop communications and guidance for customers and staff on processes and expectations." It has already been confirmed there were no additional costs linked with the six-week pilot phase. Looking forward, the report added: "Training will be rolled out over the next few months, with a view to extending access to customers engaging with the housing service in relation to antisocial behaviour across all areas. "When use of the app is extended across the areas, a demonstration will be arranged and invites issued to elected members."
