A COUNCILLOR at the centre of a "racism row" has spoken out and claimed she is the victim of a “character assassination”.

Audrey Dempsey, councillor for Springburn and Robroyston, was suspended by Scottish Labour after she proposed to ask a question at the council about racist attacks on white children in schools and then concerns were raised about some of her social media activity and previous comments about asylum seekers receiving preferential treatment.

When contacted by the Glasgow Times, Dempsey, however, said the suspension is not justified.

She said: “I’m deeply disappointed. There has been no conversation with HQ following the character assassination last week.

“There is no rhyme or reason to it. It has come from a select few people, there is no justification for it.”

She has been suspended pending an investigation.

The councillor, who founded and manages the charity No 1 Baby and Family Support Service, said the public and people in her ward have been supportive.

Glasgow Times:

The councillor said she was informed of her suspension via an email and there had been no prior conversation.

She added: “I heard it first from a journalist. I was not contacted.

“The racist thing has been distorted and is not what my intention was. It is so far from what it has been stated as.”

The question proposed for the council meeting was: "To ask the relevant convener if they are aware of the rising racist attacks on white children and teachers in our schools and how do they plan to tackle this?"

Dempsey explained why she wanted the question asked.

She added: “These situations have been raised with me. It is not just my word.

“I have had parents and grandparents telling me. We need to treat all kids the same, only then will we realise equality is a practice not just a word.

“I’ve been on the council for two years now and I haven’t seen any progress on equality.

“I’m prepared to put my head above the parapet. And I have been slaughtered and crucified for it.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Labour said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously. 

"They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken."