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Home , Braehead Arena, George Adam, Jackie Baillie, Jackson Carlaw, Jamie Greene, Katy Clark

Scottish Parliamentary Election Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May 2021

Media Guide for the Count at Arena

www..gov.uk/SPElection2021

1 Welcome This media guide is designed to provide you with everything you need to know about the Count at Braehead Arena, the facilities and arrangements in place to enable you to cover the Count safely, including what to expect when you arrive. The arrangements for the Count will feel different to previous elections with additional Covid-19 health and safety measures in place to keep everyone safe, reduce the risk of spreading the virus and protect the integrity of the Election. It is vitally important you do not attend the Count if you have any of the symptoms of Covid-19: a persistent, continuous cough, a high temperature; or a change in your sense of taste or smell, or if you are a confirmed contact of someone who is self-isolating. If you are unwell, you must self-isolate at home and book a test. If you are well, you do not require a test before attending the Count. Covid Safety Officers will be in place at the Count to support you to facilitate safe access and exit from the Arena and enable you to follow the enhanced health and safety measures in place. These measures are in place to protect you and everyone who is involved in running the Count.

Dates and location Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May 2021 Braehead Arena, Braehead, 25 King’s Inch Road, G51 4BN

Media contact Renfrewshire Council Corporate Communications team manage all media arrangements for the Count at Braehead Arena. Head of Marketing, Communications and Events, Louisa Mahon is the Team Lead, supported by Corporate Communications Manager, Lucy Adamson. At the Count, members of our team will be available to facilitate interview requests with candidates and confirm election information. Lucy Adamson 07899 061 033 David Christie 07970 661 965 Graeme Crawford 07817 063 593 Out of hours, any urgent queries can be directed to our Duty Communications Officer via 07535 520 071. In advance, please direct any election preparation and accreditation queries to Graeme Crawford by email to [email protected].

2 Accreditation Due to the Covid-19 additional health and safety measures, there are limited spaces for accredited media and we are unfortunately unable to facilitate photographers. A Count photographer (Kieran Chambers) will provide pool photography at various times throughout the day. Any media wishing to attend the election must arrange accreditation in advance by contacting Graeme Crawford by email to [email protected]. Accreditation will not be possible on the day and if you wish to change your accreditation, this must be arranged in advance. Your accredited Count ID badge will be available for collection at the Arena Count registration desks. Bring a suitable form of ID (passport/driving licence/NUJ card) with you to the Count to receive your ID badge.

Arrival and registration Free parking is available at Braehead Arena and Braehead Shopping Centre and you are advised to park in the Green car park at the Marks and Spencer end of the shopping centre. Parking for broadcast vans must be arranged in advance as part of the accreditation process. Accredited media can access the Count from 8.30am on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May. Separate arrangements have been made directly with broadcasters. On arrival, make your way to the registration desks located at the ground floor entrance to Braehead Arena (accessible via the shopping centre and next to Costa). This is clearly marked with signage to direct you. Remember to bring suitable identification with your name, such as your passport, driving licence or NUJ card to complete the registration process and receive your ID badge. You should always wear your ID badge and this badge cannot be swapped with anyone else at any time during the two-day Count. If you lose your pass, please speak to a member of our Corporate Communications team. Once registered, you are welcome to exit and enter the Count at any time during proceedings, this includes leaving to access refreshments, cafes, and restaurant services available at Braehead. The food mall is situated on the first floor of the shopping centre, immediately outside the Arena. Please note the availability of these services will be subject to the current restrictions. You may bring your own food and drink with you into the Arena and consume it at your allocated seat.

3 Hygiene measures and physical distancing We have taken every necessary step to support the Covid–19 safe operation of the Election Count. Measures will be enforced through the duration of the Count for the health and safety of all in attendance and your co-operation is greatly appreciated. If you are in any doubt about the measures in place and your responsibility to follow the measures, ask one of our Covid Supervisors for assistance. We will always be on hand to assist.

Hand sanitising Hand-sanitising stations are positioned throughout the Count venue and you are reminded to use these regularly, especially on entry and exit.

2-metre physical distancing You must always observe 2-metre physical distancing, unless you are part of one household. A one-way system will be in place, clearly marked, to ensure this is maintained.

Face covering You must wear a face covering when moving and circulating within the Count venue. You can choose to remove your face covering while seated, but you must continue to observe 2-metre physical distancing.

One-way system A one-way system is in operation throughout the venue and direction of travel is clearly marked. Please always follow this one-way system and do not gather on walkways. Covid supervisors will be on site to help maintain physical distancing where required. Please do not take offence if you are asked to move along. We want to ensure a safe environment for everyone in the Arena.

Toilet facilities Toilet facilities will be clearly marked and will be inspected and cleaned regularly. Please make sure you follow guidance on maximum numbers. This will be clearly displayed.

Health and safety risk assessment Broadcast media must submit their health and safety risk assessment in advance.

4 Media area The media area is in Block N and P of the Arena tiered seating and members of the media will be allocated a seat in this area by the communications team and you should remain in your allocated seat when inside the Arena. A clearly marked one-way system to access and exit your seating will be in place and Covid supervisors will be available to direct you. Due to Covid-19 health and safety arrangements, access to the Count floor is not possible for any members of the media. Media should follow the Count process from their allocated seating area, viewing the verification announcements and declaration of results via the screens next to the stage. If you have any questions or require clarification, please ask a member of the communications team who will be able to assist.

Interviews If you wish to interview a candidate or elected candidate, you can request this through our Communications team and they will be brought to an interview area within the media area. Please do not move around the Arena to speak to candidates or elected candidates. Advance arrangements have been arranged with accredited broadcast media, who have a dedicated area for filming and conducting interviews.

Filming and photography Please ensure no ballot papers or counting screens are shown when filming or taking photographs of the Count. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 additional health and safety measures, photographers are not able to attend and we are unable to facilitate filming or photography on the Count floor during the Count or at the time of declarations. Our Communications team will have a count photographer who is able to provide pool photography. Filming and photographs of candidates will be facilitated in the media area, always maintaining physical distancing.

5 Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi is available provided by Braehead Arena. • Search for Wi-Fi • Select Braehead free Wi-Fi • Input email address when prompted. We will also provide a network for media use, but Wi-Fi availability and network speeds will be monitored throughout the count to ensure the smooth running of the election. Any excessive use may require the user to switch to the alternative free Wi-Fi network. Thank you for your cooperation. • Username: RC_Event • Password: Med1a5678#21 Charging facilities for phones and laptops will be available in the media area on a rotational basis, but laptops won’t be able to be plugged in permanently from the allocated seat.

Evacuation procedure If there is an emergency evacuation of the Arena, please follow the instructions of the Communications team, leave by the nearest emergency exit and go to the assembly point at Krispy Kreme. In the event of extreme weather, the assembly point will be at the entrance to Marks and Spencer, but this will be clearly communicated if this is the case so please proceed to Krispy Kreme unless instructed otherwise. Once Scottish Fire and Rescue has confirmed it is safe to return to the building, the Count staff will return first. The media and all other attendees will only be allowed to return to the building once all election staff are in place to ensure the security of the voting process.

6 Election information Returning Officer Sandra Black is the Regional Returning Officer for the West Region and the Constituency Returning Officer for three constituencies: Paisley; Renfrewshire North and West; Renfrewshire South.

Constituencies Paisley; Renfrewshire North and West; and Renfrewshire South are three of 73 constituencies which each elect a constituency MSP to the through the ‘first past the post’ voting system. The candidate who receives the largest number of votes in the constituency wins the seat.

West Scotland Region There are eight Scottish Parliament regions and each region elects seven MSPs to the Parliament. Votes are cast for a political party, or for a candidate standing as an independent. Regional MSPs are allocated seats using a formula which considers the number of constituency seats an individual or party has already won within the Region. The West Scotland Region list covers the constituencies of Clydebank & , Cunninghame North, Cunninghame South, , Eastwood, Greenock & , Paisley, Renfrewshire North & West, Renfrewshire South and Strathkelvin & Bearsden.

Electorate Paisley Electorate 55,698 Postal votes applied for 13,135

Renfrewshire North and West Electorate 56,179 Postal votes applied for 13,618

Renfrewshire South Electorate 52,796 Postal votes applied for 12,229

West Scotland Region Electorate 322,600 (2016)

Figures correct on 8 April 2021 unless otherwise stated. Final figures unavailable at time of publication. 7 Polling Polling for the Scottish Parliamentary Election takes place on Thursday 6 May 2021. There are 68 polling places with 201 polling stations across the three constituencies, venues including community centres, village halls and bowling clubs, with 402 ballot boxes being collected and brought to the Count as well as more than 120 postal vote ballot boxes.

Staffing Around 500 polling staff will be employed at the polling stations, assisted by cleaners and Covid marshals. Some 200 staff will be supporting the Count each day in varied roles, including cleaning staff, Enumerators and Covid Supervisors.

Candidates Paisley

George Adam (SNP) Scott Bevan Scottish Green Party Party and Scottish Co-operative Party Russell Findlay Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Eileen McCartin Scottish Liberal Democrats

Renfrewshire North and West

Johanna Baxter Scottish Labour Party and Scottish Co-operative Party Marty Bell Scottish Family Party Scottish National Party (SNP) Julie Pirone Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Ross Stalker Scottish Liberal Democrats

Renfrewshire South

Tom Arthur Scottish National Party (SNP) Christine Cosh Scottish Liberal Democrats Andy Doig Scotia Future Paul O’Kane Scottish Labour Party and Scottish Co-operative Party Derek Stillie Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

8 West Scotland Region

Robert Watson Abolish the Scottish Parliament Party Chris McEleny Caroline McAllister Alba Party Ellen McMaster Alba Party Delia Henry Alba Party David Griffiths All for Unity Catherine McCall All for Unity Paul McLafferty All for Unity Senol Jason Ali All for Unity Calum Robertson All for Unity Rhona Cameron All for Unity Robert Aikman All for Unity Jill McGowan Freedom Alliance - Integrity, Society, Economy Maria Smith Freedom Alliance - Integrity, Society, Economy Grant David Freedom Alliance - Integrity, Society, Economy Mark Niven Turnbull Freedom Alliance - Integrity, Society, Economy Ian Inkster Independent Green Voice John Ramsey McCallum Reform UK Wayne Kenneth Darnell Reform UK Peter Sievwright Reform UK Martyn William Greene Reform UK Andy Doig Scotia Future Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Russell Findlay Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Julie Pirone Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Andrew Polson Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Derek Stillie Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Caroline Hollins Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party David Rocks Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

9 Liam McKechnie Scottish Family Party Martin Llewellyn Bell Scottish Family Party Matthew Lynch Scottish Family Party Mary Toal Scottish Family Party Cecilia Tortolano Scottish Family Party Scottish Green Party Carolynn Scrimgeour Scottish Green Party Scott Bevan Scottish Green Party Erin Crawley Scottish Green Party Ross Collins Scottish Green Party Emma Sheppard Scottish Green Party Charley O’Hear Scottish Green Party Scottish Labour Party Neil Bibby Scottish Labour Party Scottish Labour Party Paul O’Kane Scottish Labour Party Johanna Baxter Scottish Labour Party Matt Kerr Scottish Labour Party Fransesca Brennan Scottish Labour Party Douglas McAllister Scottish Labour Party Katie Pragnell Scottish Labour Party Gurpreet Singh Johal Scottish Labour Party Edward Grady Scottish Labour Party Nairn McDonald Scottish Labour Party Katy Gordon Scottish Liberal Democrats Jacci Stoyle Scottish Liberal Democrats Susan Catherine Murray Scottish Liberal Democrats Ross Stalker Scottish Liberal Democrats Rod Ackland Scottish Liberal Democrats Eileen McCartin Scottish Liberal Democrats Ruby Kirkwood Scottish Liberal Democrats Jonathan Ralph Rainey Scottish Libertarian Party

10 Michelle Campbell Scottish National Party (SNP) Stuart McMillan Scottish National Party (SNP) Kenneth Gibson Scottish National Party (SNP) Scottish National Party (SNP) Colm Merrick Scottish National Party (SNP) Lorna Douglas Scottish National Party (SNP) Annette Ireland Scottish National Party (SNP) Debra Torrance Scottish National Party (SNP) Gavin Lundy Scottish National Party (SNP) Jonathan McColl Scottish National Party (SNP) Daniel Kennedy Scottish National Party (SNP) Peter Morton Scottish Renew Jim Halfpenny Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition Lynda McEwan Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition Ian Kerr Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition Janice MacKay UK Independence Party (UKIP) Eunice Normansell UK Independence Party (UKIP) Robert Hill UK Independence Party (UKIP) Sharon Boyle UK Independence Party (UKIP) Ian Emery UK Independence Party (UKIP) Maurice Campbell Independent James Morrison Independent

11 Count process The first stage is verification, where Enumerators count the ballot papers from each polling station to verify the number of ballot papers matches the number of papers issued, as recorded on the Returning Officer’s ballot paper accounts. Once all the votes have been verified, the Returning Officer will announce the total votes cast and the percentage turnout. Staff then count the number of votes cast for each candidate. The order in which this process will be followed for the ballots for the three constituencies and the regional ballots from each of those constituencies is set out in the Declaration and Results section. Candidates and Agents can observe the count from specified viewing points on the Count floor. They can also view and participate in the adjudication of disputed ballots. The Returning Officer shares the provisional result with candidates and their agents, who can ask for a recount of the votes. The Returning Officer can refuse the request if they think it is unreasonable. The Returning Officer will declare the number of votes cast for each candidate and will then announce the name of the candidate with the most votes as the elected Member of Scottish Parliament. This process is carried out for each of the three constituencies in Renfrewshire: Paisley; Renfrewshire North and West; and Renfrewshire South. The West Scotland Region ballot follows the same process and the results of the list votes are declared for each of the three constituencies. These are then combined with the results from all other constituencies in the region and the seven candidates are elected based on the total number of votes combined with the seats already gained by candidates or parties.

Declarations and results At the Scottish Parliamentary Election Count at Braehead, results will be declared for: • Paisley constituency—Friday 7 May • Renfrewshire North and West constituency—Friday 7 May • Renfrewshire South constituency—Saturday 8 May • West Scotland Region—Saturday 8 May Several declarations will be made over the course of Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May.

12 Friday 7 May • Opening of Paisley and Renfrewshire North and West ballot boxes and beginning of the Count • Verification of total votes cast and turnout for Paisley constituency vote • Verification of total votes cast and turnout for Renfrewshire North and West constituency vote • Verification of total votes cast and turnout for Paisley regional vote • Verification of total votes cast and turnout for Renfrewshire North and West regional vote • Results of Paisley constituency vote • Results of Renfrewshire North and West constituency vote

Saturday 8 May: • Opening of Renfrewshire South ballot boxes and beginning of the Count • Verification of total votes cast and turnout for Renfrewshire South constituency vote • Verification of total votes cast and turnout for Renfrewshire South region • Results of Renfrewshire South constituency vote • Results of West Scotland Region and the allocation of seats

Timings and publication of results Indicative timing of expected results is as follows. This is for your guidance only and may be subject to change. The Communications team will be able to advise of any significant updates at the time. • Paisley and Renfrewshire North and West constituencies—expected Friday early evening • Renfrewshire South constituency—expected Saturday early afternoon • Regional list results—expected Saturday evening Only the winning constituency candidates will be invited on to the stage to make an acceptance speech and following this, interviews will be facilitated in the media area. Please remain in your seat and a member of the communications team will bring the candidate to the media area. Results will be immediately published on the main screen within the Count venue, on the council website www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/SPElection2021, on Twitter @RenCouncil using the hashtag #SPE21Result and on Facebook @RenfrewshireCouncil.

13 2016 Scottish Parliamentary Election results Paisley Constituency Verification Result Electorate 51,673 Total votes cast—Paisley constituency ballot 29,592 Total votes cast—West Scotland region ballot in Paisley 29,616 Turnout - Paisley 57.3%

Election Results

Candidate Party Votes Scottish National Party 14,682 Neil Bibby Scottish Labour Party 9,483 Paul Masterton Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 3,533 Eileen McCartin Scottish Liberal Democrats 1,766

Ballot papers rejected 128

Total votes cast 29,592

14 Renfrewshire North and West Constituency Verification Result Electorate 50,555 Total votes cast—Renfrewshire North and West constituency ballot 30,870 Total votes cast—West Scotland region ballot in Renfrewshire North and West 30,864 Turnout - Renfrewshire North and West 61.1%

Election Results

Candidate Party Votes Rod Ackland Scottish Liberal Democrats 888 Scottish Labour Party 7,244 Jim Halfpenny Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition 414 Scottish National Party 14,718 Peter Morton 198 David Wilson Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 7,345

Ballot papers rejected 63

Total votes cast 30,870

15 Renfrewshire South constituency Verification Result Electorate 49,422 Total votes cast—Renfrewshire South constituency ballot 29,810 Total votes cast—West Scotland region ballot in Renfrewshire South 29,842 Turnout - Renfrewshire South 60.3%

Election Results

Candidate Party Votes Tom Arthur Scottish National Party 14,272 Tristan Gray Scottish Liberal Democrats 793 Ann Le Blond Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 4,752 Paul O’Kane Scottish Labour Party 9,864

Ballot papers rejected 129

Total votes cast 29,810

16 West Scotland Region

Total votes cast 322,600 Percentage of poll 59.9% Rejected ballot papers 524

Candidate Registered party Elected at Neil Bibby Scottish Labour Party Stage 1 Jamie Greene Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Stage 2 Mary Fee Scottish Labour Party Stage 3 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Stage 4 Scottish Labour Party Stage 5 Maurice Corry Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Stage 6 Ross Greer Scottish Green Party Stage 7

Total of the votes cast in the West Scotland region ballot

Registered party Number of votes RISE—Respect, Independence, and Environmentalism 1,522 Scottish Christian Party—“Proclaiming Christ’s Lordship” Christians Together 2,391 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party— for a Strong Opposition 71,528 Scottish Green Party—Ross Greer for West of Scotland 17,218 Scottish Labour Party—Choose kids, not cuts 72,544 Scottish Liberal Democrats 12,097 Scottish Libertarian Party—Free Speech, Free Markets, Free People 484 Scottish National Party (SNP)— for First Minister 135,827 —Scotland’s Socialist Movement, —Indy Ref2 2,609 UK Independence Party (UKIP) 5,856

17 Please remember, everyone attending a Polling Station or the Count should continue to follow general FACTS advice: wear a face covering, avoid crowded areas, clean hands regularly, maintain 2-metre physical distancing, and self-isolate and book a test if you become unwell.

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/SPElection2021