THE leader of the council says he has 'serious concerns' over the safety and fairness of the upcoming Scottish Parliament election.

Labour's Stephen McCabe feels the poll will be 'difficult' to run it in the current climate.

He pressed senior officials on the issue at a full council meeting as he asked whether the local authority would be able to sufficiently protect voters and staff going to the polls during the pandemic.

He also highlighted his worries around parties not being able to campaign in the usual manner and what effect that could have on the result.

While insisting all necessary preparations were being made, chief executive Aubrey Fawcett - returning officer for the area - admitted he shared Councillor McCabe's concerns.

He said the country could end up with a 'democratic deficit' if people who usually visit a polling station choose not to for fear of catching coronavirus.

The election is due to take place in just over two months time on Thursday May 6.

Councillor McCabe said: "I am very concerned about whether this election can be delivered safely.

"We have seen coverage of the Catalan election and I am very concerned about the queues.

"We’ve seen some evidence from the USA election that staff were at a greater risk of catching Covid as well, so I’ve got serious reservations.

"I think it’s very difficult to run an election properly in this climate when people can’t campaign properly.

"I’m not sure it’s going to be a fair election.

"No one knows how long this [the coronavirus lockdown] is going to persist and, because of that, it potentially favours some parties over others."

Mr Fawcett added: "I also have concerns about running an election, particularly at the current level of infections rates.

"The question is whether everyone who wants to come out to vote, will come out to vote.

"We may end up in a situation where we have a democratic deficit."

Mr Fawcett added: "If we do undertake the election, it will be fair."

One of the biggest changes this year will be the abolition of overnight counting.

The council has confirmed the count for Greenock and Inverclyde will not begin until the following day, with an exact start time still to be determined.

It will, however, be held as usual at the Waterfront Leisure Centre in Greenock.

Additionally, it has been confirmed seven of the district's usual polling stations will be replaced due to the requirement of having a one-way system at all venues.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be supplied to all polling and count staff, and the council will be putting perspex screens and extra physical distancing signage in place at all sites.

At least one additional polling clerk or marshal will be required at each venue to help with the flow of voters and the cleaning of booths after each use.