Apology over mental health jibe

An SNP activist has apologised for suggesting an opposition party leader needs a mental health referral.

Andy Stuart, who is the convener of the Huntly and Alford branch of the party, said Willie Rennie is “pretty unhinged” and requires “medical help”.

Mr Rennie, who leads the Scottish Lib Dems, said the comment was “inappropriate”.

“Mental health is a serious issue and should never be used as a political insult,” he said.

Mr Stuart’s tweet read: “Does @willie_rennie need a Mental Health referral? He seems pretty unhinged to me and in need of medical help along with @vincecable #insane”.

He apologised within an hour for his “ill-considered” comment, adding: “As someone who suffers from MH probs was past inappropriate”.

An SNP spokesman said: “The local activist who made the comments recognised that they were wholly inappropriate, and has rightly apologised. As always we call on members of all parties to take care in the language they use online.”

The insult, which was also aimed at UK Lib Dem leader Vince Cable, was made as the party held their conference in Bournemouth. In her speech to delegates deputy leader Jo Swinson warned of the return of the “politics of the bully”, saying “Faragey, Trumpy, angry, arsey, shouty, slogans aren’t a solution to anything”.

Ms Swinson called for a bold new approach to tackling populist politics, including a fresh vote on Brexit.