Alex Cole-Hamilton accused of breaking Covid rules and disrespecting democracy
The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has been urged to explain why he voted from the Scottish Parliament bar during a debate on Covid-19 restrictions. He has been accused of breaking Covid rules and disrespecting democracy by his political opponents.
According to The National, Cole-Hamilton used his laptop to cast his vote from the bar on Tuesday, while other MSPs were in the chamber or in their offices. The Scottish Parliament has a hybrid system that allows MSPs to vote remotely or in person, but they are expected to follow the same rules as the public when it comes to social distancing and wearing masks.
The Scottish Government’s Covid guidance states that “face coverings must be worn at all times in indoor public places, unless you are exempt or have a reasonable excuse”. It also says that “you should not go to a hospitality venue if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or are self-isolating”.
Cole-Hamilton has not confirmed whether he had a valid reason to vote from the bar, but he has apologised for any offence caused. He told The National: “I apologise if this has caused any upset. I was working on my laptop in the bar and voted from there. I had my mask on at all times except when I was drinking.”
However, his apology has not satisfied his critics, who have called for him to explain his actions and face the consequences.
SNP and Labour demand answers and accountability from Cole-Hamilton
The SNP and Labour have both condemned Cole-Hamilton’s behaviour and demanded answers and accountability from him.
The SNP’s deputy leader, Keith Brown, said: “This is an astonishing breach of Covid rules and a complete disregard for the democratic process. Alex Cole-Hamilton should explain himself and apologise to the people of Scotland, who have made huge sacrifices to keep each other safe during this pandemic.”
He added: “The Scottish Liberal Democrats have been quick to criticise others for not following the rules, but it seems their own leader thinks he is above them. He should face the same consequences as anyone else who breaks the law.”
The Labour MSP, Monica Lennon, said: “This is a shocking lack of judgment from Alex Cole-Hamilton. He has shown contempt for the Parliament and the public health measures that are in place to protect us all. He should be setting an example, not flouting the rules.”
She added: “He owes an explanation to his constituents and the wider public, who have been following the guidance and making sacrifices for months. He should also face an investigation by the Presiding Officer and the Standards Committee to determine if he has breached the Code of Conduct for MSPs.”
Cole-Hamilton’s voting record on Covid-19 measures
Cole-Hamilton’s voting record on Covid-19 measures shows that he has often opposed the Scottish Government’s approach and called for more clarity and evidence.
In October 2020, he voted against the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, which introduced the five-level system of Covid-19 restrictions in Scotland.
In November 2020, he voted against the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2020, which moved 11 local authority areas to level 4, the highest level of restrictions.
In December 2020, he voted against the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 10) Regulations 2020, which imposed a travel ban between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
In January 2021, he voted against the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 11) Regulations 2021, which placed mainland Scotland under a national lockdown.
In March 2021, he voted against the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 16) Regulations 2021, which extended the lockdown until the end of April.
In May 2021, he voted against the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 22) Regulations 2021, which moved Glasgow City to level 3 and Moray to level 2, while the rest of mainland Scotland moved to level 2.
In June 2021, he voted against the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 24) Regulations 2021, which moved Glasgow City to level 2 and delayed the move to level 1 for 13 other local authority areas.
In August 2021, he voted against the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 28) Regulations 2021, which removed most of the Covid-19 restrictions in Scotland.
In September 2021, he voted against the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 29) Regulations 2021, which introduced the Covid-19 vaccine certification scheme in Scotland.
In November 2021, he voted against the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 31) Regulations 2021, which reintroduced some Covid-19 restrictions in Scotland, such as the mandatory wearing of face coverings in most indoor settings and the limit of 10 people from four households for indoor social gatherings.
Cole-Hamilton’s leadership of the Scottish Liberal Democrats
Cole-Hamilton became the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats in August 2021, after Willie Rennie stepped down following the 2021 Scottish Parliament election. He was the only candidate to stand for the leadership and was elected unopposed.
He is the MSP for Edinburgh Western, a seat he won in 2016 and retained in 2021 with a majority of 9,885 votes. He is also the party’s spokesperson for health, social care and sport.
He has been a vocal critic of the SNP and the Scottish Government, especially on issues such as health, education and the constitution. He has also campaigned for more mental health support, more powers for local councils and more action on climate change.
He has described himself as a “proud Scot, a proud Brit and a proud European” and has opposed both Brexit and Scottish independence. He has also supported the idea of a federal UK and a reformed House of Lords.
He has faced some controversies in his political career, such as being fined £750 for breaking electoral law in 2016 and being accused of bullying by a former staff member in 2019. He has denied any wrongdoing in both cases.
