Party boss refuses to answer SNP demands
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said “it would not be appropriate” to comment on an investigation into two suspended Tory councillors.
In a letter to Stirling Council SNP group leader Scott Farmer she said that the Scottish Conservative central office are looking in to the conduct of Alastair Majury and Robert Davies.
Both were suspended by the party in the aftermath of the local elections amid claims they had posted offensive remarks on social media.
Councillor Farmer said: “Ruth Davidson’s refusal to take meaningful action over disgraced councillors Majury and Davies falls far short of what the people of the Stirling area expect.
“Their past online behaviour has been abusive and seriously offensive and it remains the case that these two suspended Tory councillors are not fit for public office. If the Tories are refusing to clear up their own toxic party how can anyone trust their candidates ever again?
He went on: “I call on Tory Group leader Neil Benny to give the people of Stirling a cast-iron guarantee that Councillors Majury and Davies will never be permitted back into the Tory group on Stirling Council again.
“Failure to do so would seriously let down people who put their trust in his candidates.”
Councillor Majury, of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, was revealed to have posted a series of abusive tweets, some of which made offensive remarks about Catholics and likened political opponents to Nazis.
Councillor Davies is believed to have authored a number of tweets featuring black people and spears.
One post contained an old photograph of black people standing next to a cargo plane, with the caption: “In the interests of security keep your loin cloths with you at all times. Spears go in the overhead locker.”
After both men were suspended by the Conservative Party Councillor Farmer wrote to Ruth Davidson, calling for firm and lasting action to be taken.
In her response Ms Davidson said: “As leader of the party it would not be appropriate for me to play an active role in this investigation or comment on its progress.
“Accordingly, I have referred your correspondence to the Scottish Conservative central office, who are investigating the conduct of councillors Majury and Davies.”
Councillor Benny said it would not be appropriate for him to comment while the process is ongoing.
It remains the case that they are not fit for public office