Politicians reveal their dismay at ‘worrying’ leak

Local politicians have reacted with anger to the revelations, with one branding it a “very serious situation”.

Scottish Liberal Democrats leader and North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie said: “This data leak is very worrying. Employees trust the council with this data and for such a breach to take place is very serious indeed.

“Fife Council must do everything they can to ensure that this situation is rectified and the data is kept out of the wrong hands.”

Roger Mullin, SNP MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, added: “This is a major failure by Fife Council, and I am very concerned about the impact on those whose data has been abused.

“Any constituent with concerns should contact Fife Council for clarification, and if dissatisfied should consider approaching their local representatives.

“I will be writing to the chief executive to seek clarification on this most concerning development.”

Fife’s depute provost Councillor Kay Morrison said: “This is quite a worrying development. I am sure the people who made the mistake are feeling embarrassed, very uncomfortable and worried. I’m worried.

“I would be looking to see an investigation into how this happened and an explanation of all of that, and a confirmation that it couldn’t happen again.

“It sounds like this was very personal and private information that has been inadvertently sent. It’s a very serious situation.

“People whose personal information has been shared would feel just as strongly as me, if not more so.

However, fellow councillor Marie Penman said: “To be honest, I feel sorry for the person responsible for this breach.

“They must have got such a fright when they realised what they’d done, and though it may cause some inconvenience, it’s not like it was done deliberately or with any malice. Everyone makes mistakes.”

North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie has called on Fife Council to rectify the situation.