Councillor claims MSP is ‘betraying’ constituents
AGLASGOW MSP is facing calls to stand down as he was accused of “betraying” his own constituents in a row over social media posts.
The SNP’s John Mason, who represents Glasgow Shettleston, sparked controversy after saying he would not speak up for constituents who support loyalist parades and Scotland remaining in the UK.
In a tweet on Wednesday, the MSP wrote: “I am happy to represent every constituent on issues like housing and to discuss all sorts of issues with constituents.
“However, I will not be speaking up for constituents who want lower taxes, orange marches, keeping Scotland in the UK, etc.”
Former Glasgow City Council leader Frank McAveety, who lost his seat to Mr Mason, described the remark as “absolutely insulting.”
And now, Conservative councillor Thomas Kerr, who also represents Shettleston, has slated what he called a “wilful disregard for freedom of religious belief and of political expression”.
The councillor asked for an immediate apology for the “irresponsible” tweet, adding that the MSP has “shown time and time again he’s unfit to serve”.
In a letter posted on Twitter, the councillor said: “Unfortunately this is not the first time that you have egregiously neglected your responsibilities as an MSP.
“For over a decade you have made it your business to offend the people of the East End and sow the seeds of division within our communities.”
The letter then lists a number of alleged “failings” by the MSP.
Cllr Kerr continues: “However while these comments paint an accurate picture of your own character, your latest gaffe reveals your fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of our representative democracy and is a betrayal of your responsibility to your constituents.
“I would therefore ask that you immediately apologise for your irresponsible comment on social media and consider whether your position as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for all residents of Shettleston is tenable in light of your evident disregard for their democratic rights.”
Mr Mason previously defended his comments in The Times newspaper, adding there are “too many marches” in Glasgow.
He said: “I am an elected representative who was voted for based on my party and, to a lesser extent, personal policies and beliefs.
“The SNP and I are supporters of Scottish independence.
“I am certainly not a proponent of lowering taxes, which inevitably means cutting public services, and I consider, as many of my constituents do, that there are too many marches in Glasgow which are linked to sectarianism.”
He added: “Of course, some of my constituents do hold opposite points of view.
“Some would like to cut taxes, some oppose Scottish independence and some would want more Orange marches.
“However, as an SNP MSP I have been elected by the Glasgow Shettleston constituency as a whole on a particular mandate.
“Likewise, I have many Unionist colleagues in the Scottish Parliament and I do not expect them to speak out for Scottish independence, even if their constituents want them to.”