Boost for disabled people's rights in Scotland
Pam Duncan-Glancy has made history by becoming the first permanent wheelchair user to be elected as an MSP.
The former third sector worker was elected as a list MSP for Labour in Glasgow and vowed to make disabled people’s rights her top priority.
She stood in Glasgow Kelvin and came third to SNP candidate Kaukab Stewart, but was elected on the Glasgow regional list on 8 May.
She is Scottish Labour's spokesperson for social security in the Scottish Parliament.
Duncan-Glancy contested Glasgow North for the general elections in 2017 and 2019, coming second to Patrick Grady of the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Despite being a Labour candidate she was forced to wait at the entrance to the Glasgow count on Friday after venue officials argued over which entrance to the Emirates Arena she would be allowed to use - meaning a delay of 45 minutes.
She said afterwards: "What happened yesterday happens to disabled people across Scotland and the country, and indeed the world, I'm sure, on a daily basis.
"And it shouldn't. That's one of the reasons why I have always been involved in politics. It's why I'm an activist. It's why I believe in equality and human rights.
"I will speak up for disabled people's human rights."
Nicola Sturgeon tweeted in support of the new Labour MSP.
She said: "Party politics aside, this is another significant and important moment for our Parliament, and makes it so much more representative of the country we serve - many congratulations."
She is going to be very busy. The damming Ferret report on care at home deaths during covid, which Jackie Baillie has highlighted is a good place to start. Disabled rights were negated during lockdown. The disability benefits reforms by Scot Gov are timid despite the hype. Good luck Pam!