Latest news with #McLellan
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
SNP councillor hits back at 'lie' he defected to Reform UK
Alexander McLellan was listed as a member of Nigel Farage's party on the local authority's website. It has now been changed back to list the Tillydrone, Seaton and Old Aberdeen representative as a member of the SNP. The glitch emerged after Luis Cook, a right-wing influencer, posted on Twitter/X that McLellan was the 'first (direct) defection from the SNP to Reform'. Cook's post has since been deleted. READ MORE: Police Scotland 'breaching human rights to subdue Palestine protests' McLellan was quick to hit back at the claims as a 'lie' and told the Herald the issue had been 'reported to senior officials and is being investigated'. On Twitter/X, McLellan wrote: 'These people are so desperate for attention that they will fabricate nonsense about whatever, and whomever, they can. 'The problem they have is that defamation laws exist in the UK for a reason, and if this post isn't taken down then they will likely find that out.' Reform UK Scotland also responded to the post, writing: 'Absolute nonsense. We have never spoken with this councillor and have zero knowledge of his wish to defect.' So far, 13 councillors in Scotland have defected to Reform – the overwhelming majority from the Scottish Conservatives. Jamie McGuire became the first councillor to defect from Scottish Labour to Farage's party in June. He serves the Renfrew North and Braehead ward on Renfrewshire council. McGuire announced the move during Farage's visit to Scotland ahead of the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, where the Reform UK leader hid from the Scottish press and faced protests outside of the party's local campaign offices. In April, Reform claimed that their membership numbers in Scotland had passed 10,000 people, making them the country's third largest party. Polling published in May suggested Farage's party could overtake Scottish Labour at the Holyrood 2026 election, suggesting they could return 19% of the vote on the constituency ballot and 20% on the regional list.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Aberdeen Council wrongly list SNP councillor as Reform
Listing on ACC website showing SNP councillor as a Reform member (Image: ACC) It is unclear when the page was last updated, but according to the Wayback Machine internet archive, Cllr McLellan was still shown as an SNP councillor in June. The error was highlighted by Reform-supporting social media influencer Luis Cook, who posted on X (formerly Twitter): 'Our first (direct) defection from the SNP to Reform! A warm welcome to Cllr Alex McLellan, who represents Tillydrone/Seaton/Old Aberdeen ward on Aberdeen City Council.' Reform UK quickly dismissed the claim. 'Absolute nonsense,' the party posted. 'We have never spoken with this councillor and have zero knowledge of his wish to defect.' Absolute nonsense. We have never spoken with this councillor and have zero knowledge of his wish to defect. — Reform UK Scotland (@ReformUKScot) August 17, 2025 Cllr McLellan himself described the claim as a 'lie'. 'These people are so desperate for attention that they will fabricate nonsense about whatever, and whomever, they can. 'The problem they have is that defamation laws exist in the UK for a reason, and if this post isn't taken down then they will likely find that out.' Aberdeen City Council has been approached for comment. READ MORE Reform UK currently has 13 councillors in Scotland, out of a total of 1,226. Its most recent defector was Jamie McGuire, who represents Renfrew and Braehead and became the first Scottish councillor to switch from Labour to Reform. Aberdeen Conservative councillor Duncan Massey also defected. On the council's alphabetical list of councillors, his name appears directly before Cllr McLellan's. Speaking at *The Herald's* Unspun Live event at the Edinburgh Fringe earlier this month, polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice said he believed it would be 'child's play' for Reform to win at least 10 seats in next year's Holyrood election — and suggested the party could even become the second largest in the Scottish Parliament. Curtice said Reform might be the second largest party in Holyrood (Image: Colin Mearns/NQ) He said: 'I think Kemi Badenoch is becoming more effective, but it is very much a work in progress. The problem the Tories face is that Reform are not just taking voters, they are taking donors, they are taking people. 'It is very difficult to see any outcome other than the SNP still providing government. What remains highly uncertain is how strong it will be. It could be as low as 45 seats. I think the maximum at the moment is 55 seats. 'But 55 seats — you have only got to find one party to make a deal. With 45 you have got to find two, and that becomes much more difficult. 'I think at the moment it is a race between Reform and Labour over who comes second, and unless the popularity of the Labour government improves, Labour may find themselves in much the same position as they are at the moment.' He added: 'The lesson of the last Westminster parliament is not to presume that the outcome of the last election is going to determine what happens at the next one.'
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Opening date set for Rhyl's 'reimagined' prom - but with 9 features still missing
A revamped promenade closed for more than two years is to reopen this week. Rhyl prom was widened and raised as part of a £69m coastal defence scheme and all that's lacking now are some of the finishing touches. The resort's beach remained partly accessible during the works but the prom itself was off-limits. Denbighshire Council said it will reopen to the public on Friday, August 15 – a little earlier than billed last year. Inviting people to inspect the new-look prom, the local authority said it had been 'reimagined'. Featuring a newly poured sand-coloured surface, access ramps have been added to help with accessibility. To brighten up the seafront, and improve safety on the prom, new lighting has been installed. Other additions include new street furniture, handrails and flood gates. Recent work included the installation of pre-cast concrete steps along with drainage and a new pavement. With the newly opened Queen's Market doing good business, council leader Cllr Jason McLellan said it was a 'really exciting time' to be in Rhyl. While the project is now 'almost complete', some elements are yet to be added to the promenade. Mostly these involve fun activities but a monumental artwork is planned too. Work on these is still ongoing. They include: Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Another major addition will be a series of community-inspired murals. These will be printed on durable materials such as aluminium and attached to around 60 large pre-cast concrete panels. The idea is to soften the impact of the raised sea wall when viewed from the town, while providing a lasting tribute to the seaside resort. Soon to open is a new children's play area by the promenade. Drift Park play area, which was demolished to accommodate the scheme, is returning to its original location. Denbighshire Council said this will have an 'improved community-chosen design'. Work is progressing well with this ninth new feature and the play area is set to open in early September. Cllr McLellan, lead member for economic growth and tackling deprivation, is delighted the 'revamped and reimagined iconic' promenade will again be open for the public to enjoy. He said: 'The work undertaken as part of the sea defence project has been vital and necessary to protect our coastline, homes and businesses from flooding and increasingly frequent adverse weather events. The prom has been raised significantly, and new flood protection measures have been implemented. 'We would like to thank the public for their patience and co-operation during this period. The project is almost complete.' The Central Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme was designed to protect more than 600 properties in the town. It was built at the same time as the £28m Central Prestatyn Coastal Defence Scheme, which was officially opened recently. Both followed a £27m coastal defence rebuild for east Rhyl. Cllr McLellan added: 'This work is part of the larger regeneration plans for Rhyl. "With the newly re-opened Queen's Market seeing brilliant footfall, and the soon-to-be opened Drift Park, along with the new Strand Cinema, this is a really exciting time for Rhyl.'
Rhyl Journal
07-08-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Rhyl: Queen's Market draws crowds as regeneration continues
Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, visited Queen's Market in Rhyl on August 5, describing it as a "lively new space" that is already attracting visitors and generating positive feedback. Backed by around £6.5 million from the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns fund, the market is part of wider regeneration efforts to breathe new life into the town centre. Ms Bryant said: "I am delighted to be back in Rhyl and see Queen's Market for myself, one of the key sites in the redevelopment of Rhyl town centre and a project which has benefitted from around £6.5m worth of support through the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns fund. "Offering a range of retail and food outlets, an events area and outdoor dining, this lively new space will create jobs, attract visitors, and breathe new life into the town centre." During her visit, Ms Bryant toured the market and events space, met stallholders, and spoke with managing directors from the company operating the facility. She was joined by council leader Jason McLellan, chairman Arwel Roberts, lead member for local development and planning Alan James, Vale of Clwyd MS Gareth Davies, and project programme managers. The new market includes 16 food and retail units, a double-sided bar, and a large events space that has already hosted popular shows and concerts. An outdoor raised and covered decking area provides space for visitors to dine al fresco. Cllr McLellan said: "This amazing facility has been open for almost a month now, and we are extremely pleased with how the opening few weeks have gone. "This is one of the key projects in terms of the regeneration efforts in Rhyl." He highlighted the positive response from the community and the collaborative atmosphere created by the market's vendors. Cllr McLellan said: "The market is filled with talented, high-quality vendors, who have created a collaborative community atmosphere here. "There has been some well-received entertainment on show in the events space, and the community feedback about the market space has been really positive." Queen's Market is the first phase of redeveloping the historic Queen's Buildings site on Rhyl promenade. Funding came from Denbighshire County Council, the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, and the Pride of Place and Natural Environment: Rhyl, Prestatyn & Denbigh Programme. The investment supported demolition of the unsafe, derelict buildings and construction of the new market. Cllr McLellan said: "I am so glad to see this project up and running after a really successful opening period. "There is over 120 years of history at this site, and it is great to see this latest chapter start."
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Could Georgiev Be The Answer to Detroit's Goalie Problem?
Former Stanley Cup champion Alexander Georgiev will be a free agent and could be a target for a Red Wings team hungry for help in net. Image The Red Wings goalie room could use some retooling. After finishing bottom 12 in goals against average as a team last year, it's no surprise that one of the focuses for Steve Yzerman and company is goaltending help, according to Daily Faceoff's Jeff Marek. Advertisement We've seen how quickly some teams can turn around their goalie rooms like the Colorado Avalanche this past season. They brought in Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood to restore stability in goal, trading away former All-Star and Stanley Cup champion Alexandar Georgiev, who was sent to San Jose for Blackwood in an early December deal. The Avalanche went from the third-worst goals against average in the league at 3.55 to fifth-best in the NHL and this left Georgiev on the outside looking in. The 29-year-old Russian netminder had his numbers further trampled on when starting games for one of the league's worst defences in San Jose. Georgiev is seemingly not returning to the Sharks next season and will be available as an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. Advertisement He finished with a brutal .875 save percentage and a 3.88 goals against average through 31 appearances with San Jose, marking last season as his career-worst. Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. This is a netminder that had a 40-16-6 record with a 2.53 goals against average just three seasons ago and can still be a difference making goaltender in the right system. New Detroit bench boss Todd McLellan has a history of inserting solid defensive structures in wherever he goes and could make the Red Wings taking a low-cost flyer on Georgiev a good idea. Advertisement More Red Wings: 3 Free Agent Defenceman That Detroit Should Target Before this past season, Georgiev led all NHL goalies with 78 wins over the previous three years, posting a 2.77 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage during that span. Some believe he was only successful due to Colorado's system and that the numbers are inflated but McLellan may be able to create a structure that works for him, if he was to sign in Detroit. McLellan's defensive schemes played a key role in the LA Kings finishing with a top-nine defence during his five-year tenure, much like his seven seasons with the San Jose Sharks, where his ranked top six in defence. Advertisement It's an option that the Red Wings will surely take into consideration as Georgiev is still relatively young at 29 and could work as a perfect spacer for the team as they wait for high end prospect Sebastian Cossa to develop. Until then, Georgiev would have the highest upside potential of any goalie in Detroit's current group. Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.
