Tory election candidate is ditched for bigoted online posts
Council hopeful suspended
A Tory council election candidate has been dumped by his party after he was linked to a series of bigoted posts made on an online forum.
Greg Turner, who is standing to become a councillor for the Barrhead ward on East Renfrewshire Council, referred to a local Catholic high school as a “bigot factory” in a discussion about catchment areas.
The Tory was behind a profile known as “MearnsUnionist” on an online discussion board.
In one post, he described what he viewed as a change in the Stamperland neighbourhood in Clarkston following the opening of St Ninian’s high school in nearby Giffnock.
He said: “A lot of pape families moved in so they could get their kids to the best performing bigot factory in Scotland.”
He added: “Obviously there’s still a decent amount of good guys in that area too, but there’s definitely been an infiltration over time.”
In another post, the MearnsUnionist account posted: “Barrhead has by far the biggest population of mentally challengends in East Renfrewshire.”
Turner was dropped by the Tories after the Daily Record presented the party with details of its investigation.
A spokesman for the Conservatives said: “This candidate has been suspended after a number of completely unacceptable posts emerged.”
It is claimed the party will no longer support Turner’s campaign - but his name will still appear on ballot papers as the deadline for nominations has passed.
Turner will be referred to the Conservatives’ disciplinary panel for further action.
The candidate had previously been pictured out on the campaign trail in East Renfrewshire with former Scottish
Conservatives leader Jackson Carlaw.
Nil By Mouth, a leading charity against sectarianism, said: “Correct that this individual dropped as a candidate for such hateful remarks.
“But he remains on ballot as they are printed/posted out already.
“Strong argument for party to leaflet all voters in ward prior to May 5 outlining why he’s suspended and asking them not to vote for him.”
A spokeswoman for Scottish Labour said: “There must be absolutely no room in politics for sectarianism and religious hatred.
“It is right that this candidate has been suspended for these appalling comments, but it is disgraceful that he will still appear on the ballot as the Tory party candidate.
“The Scottish Tories must make absolutely clear that they do not endorse or support this candidate in any way.
“We must have zero tolerance towards all forms of bigotry and prejudice.”
Turner said: “I apologise unreservedly for my comments. I completely regret them and apologise for any offence caused.”
The Tories must make clear they do not endorse or support this candidate
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