Elections watchdog offers to help SNP with second independence referendum
Updated: 27/06/2021, 8:49 am
Bosses at the Electoral Commission have offered to help the SNP hold a second independence referendum, despite opposition from the prime minister.
The regulator’s new chairman John Pullinger has said he is open to an “independent discussion” with Scottish officials if they wanted “something to be done that helps them with their democracy”.
His remarks put the commission on a collision course with the Boris Johnson, who has said he will reject any request for an “irresponsible and reckless” second poll.
Nicola Sturgeon has claimed that May’s Holyrood elections gave the SNP a mandate for a second poll, and nationalists have raised the prospect of the first minister seeking a unilateral poll if Westminster rejects her demands.
FORMER Greens MSP Andy Wightman thanked backers yesterday after he failed to secure re-election as an independent. The former representative for the Lothian region entered Holyrood in 2016 and quit the party in a row related to their diverging positions on equalities reforms. He subsequently announced he’d go it alone and run in the Highlands and Islands region. His was a platform of land reform, affordable housing and environmental action. Wightman secured 3367 votes but this was not enough to win a seat. However, the Greens did take a list seat with 17,729 votes, meaning Ariane Burgess is now heading to Holyrood.
Sturgeon seen as far more trustworthy than other Scottish leaders, polls show eveningexpress.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from eveningexpress.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.