Leader denies racist remarks
The leader of South Lanarkshire Council’s Labour Group has been suspended from his party but denies claims he made racist remarks.
Councillor Davie McLachlan was suspended last week over claims he made racist slurs towards MSP Anas Sarwar.
The Hamilton North and East member is facing an investigation over allegations he said Scotland isn’t ready for a“brown, Muslim P***”as leader of the party.
The offensive comments were allegedly made to Sarwar as he ran against Richard Leonard in last year’s leadership contest.
But Cllr McLachlan has said he will “robustly”defend himself against any claims.
In an interview with our sister paper, the Hamilton Advertiser, he said:“I categorically deny these deeply hurtful accusations.
“I am stunned and dismayed at the claim I would say such things and will defend myself robustly in the party’s investigation and in any actions that follow.
“Early in the campaign I pledged my support to Anas but later decided to support Mr Leonard. Anas will know this and would understandably be upset.”
Mr McLachlan resigned from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) in 2010 amid an expenses scandal.
A Labour spokesman said: “Davie McLachlan has been suspended by the Labour Party, pending an investigation.”