Court battle

A Coatbridge councillor suspended by the SNP following allegations of racism has launched a defamation action against her accuser.

Julie McAnulty is seeking a six-figure sum in damages from activist and former colleague Sheena McCulloch at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

The Monklands councillor who was suspended by the SNP following allegations of racism has launched a defamation action against her accuser.

Julie McAnulty, who is now an independent representative for the Coatbridge North & Glenboig ward, is seeking a six-figure sum in damages from activist and former colleague Sheena McCulloch.

Earlier this year Ms McCulloch claimed the councillor had said the constituency party needed to get rid of the “Pakis” during a car journey last July. It has been reported that Ms McAnulty is seeking more than £100,000 in damages. Official notice of the case appeared in the calling list of the Court of Session last week.

Supporters of the councillor claim she was the victim of a smear campaign instigated to damage her reputation.

Her subsequent suspension meant she had to stand down as a list candidate in May’s election to the Scottish Parliament.

Ms McCulloch’s complaint to SNP HQ stated: “Julie was asking me about the trouble and in-fighting in the Bellshill

Court action Julie McAnulty

branch and asked for my view on the trouble in Coatbridge.

“During this discussion Julie made a comment which I found to be unacceptable. She asked if I agreed with her that it was, in her words, the ‘Pakis’ that were causing the problems locally and that we needed to get rid of them out of the party. I outlined immediately that I was not happy with her comment as I know and respect many Muslim members locally.”

The party placed McAnulty on administrative suspension almost immediately.

In a statement issued on behalf of Ms McAnulty, solicitor advocate Paul Motion of BTO Solicitors LLP said: “It is with regret that my client Julie McAnulty confirms she has now lodged a summons against Sheena McCulloch, seeking damages for defamation.

“Ms McAnulty has tried for some months to resolve this matter but without success. The seriousness of the allegation against my client has left her with no option but to pursue the matter through the courts to defend her reputation and clear her name.

“My client will not be making any further public comment on the matter.”

Judy Williamson, senior associate at lawyers Shoosmiths LLP, said: “I can confirm that Ms McCulloch is defending the action. She will not be making any further public comment at this point.”