Rachael Hamilton MSP has criticised a SNP candidate for ‘unacceptable’ remarks following the election of Councillor Jenny Linehan in the Leaderdale and Melrose by-election.
Last week saw local lawyer Ms Linehan win 1380 first preference votes in the by-election, 238 votes ahead of the SNP candidate John Paton Day.
Commenting on the win for the Scottish Conservatives, Mr Paton Day said ‘it’s like voting for the mafia’.
The comments have been criticised by Cllr Linehan and local MSP Rachael Hamilton, who believes that he is showing disrespect to the local electorate.
Mrs Hamilton has demanded an apology from Mr Paton Day and believes that elected members and candidates must set an example by being more respectful towards each other.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“I am shocked at the SNP’s John Paton Day and his comments about the newly elected Councillor Jenny Linehan on her victory last week.
“Comments such as these are entirely unacceptable and are extremely off-putting for new candidates who are thinking of standing for office.
“Politics can get heated at times, but to compare Councillor Linehan and the Scottish Conservatives to the mafia is provocative and inflammatory”
“In these difficult times, I believe Mr Paton Day should have shown more courtesy and respect in his defeat.
“Yet again, the nasty tactics of the SNP are for all to see, and Mr Paton Day should immediately apologise to Councillor Linehan.”
Cllr Jenny Linehan said:
“I was delighted to win the Leaderdale and Melrose by-election, and I want to thank all of those who worked hard to ensure the day ran smoothly.
"The day was a good example of democracy in action.
“I was disappointed at John Paton Day’s comments and it is not in the spirit of what was a fair and honest process.
“I look forward to working hard as the local councillor for the ward that I have been elected to represent.”