GLASGOW’S opposition leaders have reacted to the news that councillor Elspeth Kerr has resigned from the SNP.
Ms Kerr who represents Drumchapel and Anniesland, has left the party citing bullying and intimidation as the reason.
She follows councillors Glenn Elder and Russell Robertson, who resigned the whip last year for the same reason. SNP sources close to councillor Kerr say they are “in the dark” about what is going on and that they haven’t been able to get in touch with her.
Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of the Glasgow Labour group, believes this won’t be the last resignation from the SNP.
Mr McAveety said: “Susan Aitken’s position is clearly untenable. The city is still going through a moment of crisis, and the challenges we will face in recovering from this will be immense. They require focused and bold leadership that can unite people around a shared vision.
“Susan Aitken has demonstrated that she is unable to do that, amongst her own colleagues and beyond. I am sure that this won’t be the last resignation from the Glasgow SNP. The last thing Glasgow needs is chaos at the heart of its administration. Glasgow deserves better than this.”
Councillor Thomas Kerr, Leader of Glasgow’s Conservative party said that the news was a “damning indictment on the leadership of the SNP.
He said: “While Elspeth and I may have our political disagreements, I have always known her on a personal level to be an honest and hard-working local representative. It is a damning indictment on the leadership of the SNP in Glasgow that this is now the third councillor who has been driven out of the party citing bullying from the leader’s office.
“Even before only surviving a vote of confidence in March by a margin of 19-17, Susan Aitken’s leadership of Glasgow City Council had been rocked by successive scandals. If her own councillors have now lost faith in her ability to lead this city, then how can the people of Glasgow trust in her leadership at this critical juncture.”
The Glasgow Green party were also approached for comment on the situation.
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