Councillors clash over online ‘hanging’ threat

Forfar representative hits out over comment being ‘liked’

An Angus councillor has accused a town chamber colleague of supporting an online threat that stated he “should be hung”.

Independent Carnoustie representative Brian Boyd’s conduct was described as “simply unacceptable” by Forfar Conservative member Braden Davy following a social media spat.

Mr Davy was targeted after posting comments on his Facebook page which gave his backing for the sale of council buildings that were at the centre of a Forfar “superpub” debacle.

In comments regarding the sale of The Cross, one member of the public stated: “Your (sic) a complete buffoon Davy. The building can be utilised by other council departments no problem. You should be hung for the damage your (sic) doing to this place”.

Mr Boyd liked the comment which Mr Davy said was “simply unacceptable”.

Mr Davy said: “He may think this is ‘just a like’ but on a public forum, for all to see, he is showing his support for online intimidation and threats to ‘hang’ people.

“You would not say this to someone in real life, and if you did you would be reprimanded for it.

“After being a councillor for over seven years he should know better. I have often received abuse online, however never with someone in a position of authority publicly endorsing it.“in this political environment we should be creating an atmosphere where people feel comfortable engaging in local politics, exactly the opposite of what Councillor Boyd has done.

“Encouraging folk to attack, intimidate and hurl abuse in whatever form should always be unacceptable.

“His support for vile comments shows a huge lack of judgment and character. He should be ashamed of his actions and this behaviour should be investigated by the standards commission.

“I will be asking Councillor Boyd for a full apology and to rescind his support of these comments.”

Mr Boyd said: “Being extremely busy I didn’t even notice the word ‘hung’ but, of course, that is totally unacceptable.

“The word ‘hung’ is near the end of the comment and I didn’t get past the word buffoon before I liked the post.

“I was more focused on the hypocrisy of the Tories and fake Independents who are all doing a complete U-turn the subject of the sale of the Cross.

“Mr Davy has not asked for an apology but he did text me to say he thought my comment was ‘a wee bit out of order’ and I thought nothing more about it as I was using my personal name and account.

“This has come as a complete surprise that Mr Davy felt the need to put out another press release so he can add another article on to his councillor’s Facebook page.

“Mr Davy has now removed this comment so he’s playing jiggery-pokery here.”

gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk

Picture: Paul Reid. Councillor Braden Davy outside The Cross in Forfar.

Councillor Brian Boyd said he “liked” the comment before he had reached the word “hung”.