Craig Meighan

The Scottish Rape Crisis Alliance condemned Green MSP Q Manivannan’s comments that rape exists on a spectrum and that society demonises it, warning against minimising sexual violence or creating hierarchies of harm. The Scottish Conservatives called the remarks appalling and urged Scottish Greens co-leaders Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay to remove the whip from Manivannan. The comments, originally made on a podcast the previous year, resurfaced online and drew criticism from Scotland’s children’s minister, Labour and the Liberal Democrats. The Scottish Greens had been approached for comment.

Michael Marra and Joe Fagan have joined Monica Lennon in declaring their intention to contest the Scottish Labour leadership after Anas Sarwar’s resignation. Marra said the party must respond to six consecutive Holyrood election setbacks, while Fagan argued that Labour should rebuild trust through community-focused work. Lennon is expected to receive Sarwar’s Glasgow list seat. Nominations open on August 3, members and supporters will vote from August 28 to September 17, and the new leader will be announced on September 19.

House of Commons officials and the Electoral Commission reported no evidence that Peter Murrell misused public funds or short money allocated to the SNP’s Westminster group. Clerk of the House Tom Goldsmith said no concerns had been raised prior to inquiries prompted by Murrell’s conviction for embezzling more than £400,000 of SNP funds. The Scottish Affairs Committee is considering an inquiry and plans coordination with Holyrood committees, while the Electoral Commission continues reviewing past SNP accounts and may act if misuse is uncovered.