The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Claims Tory frontrunner Ross target of SNP smear
Politics: Tweet alleging Moray MP was ‘racist’ branded an ‘outrageous slur’
The SNP has been accused of trying to smear Scottish Conservative leadership frontrunner Douglas Ross, after Nicola Sturgeon’s party claimed he had a “long history of racist views”.
The allegation, which was made in a tweet posted from an official SNP account, was described as an “outrageous slur” by Mr Ross’s colleagues.
It has since been deleted but displayed a link to the SNP website, which referred to remarks Mr Ross, the Moray MP, had made about the Traveller
“It is no surprise that the tweet in question has been deleted”
community three years ago.
The SNP website said Mr Ross had faced “heavy criticism” from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, for saying he would impose “tougher enforcement against Gypsy Travellers” as a top priority if he were prime minister for a day.
At the time, Mr Ross apologised for his remarks but insisted Travellers’ illegal camps were an issue that needed addressed.
The Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Murdo Fraser yesterday defended his party colleague, saying:
“This was an outrageous slur on Douglas Ross by the SNP and it is no surprise that the tweet in question has been rapidly deleted.
“It does just reveal the depths to which the SNP operation is prepared to sink to try to smear a political opponent, who they clearly fear.”
The SNP tweet also accused Mr Ross – a toplevel, qualified football referee – of “missing key debates for a football jaunt”.
In October 2017, Mr Ross missed a House of Commons vote on welfare policy so he could officiate at a Champions League match.
As others took part in a debate and vote on Universal Credit, Mr Ross ran the line at the Camp Nou in Barcelona.
In full, the SNP tweet said: “Long history of racist views. Missing key debates for a football jaunt. Voting against protecting our NHS. Always siding with Westminster over Scotland. Here’s all you need to know about Douglas Ross, the likely next Scottish Tory leader.”
A spokesman for Mr Ross said: “It is disappointing that the SNP are choosing to stoop to this kind of thing.
“Douglas is going to remain focused on his positive message of ending the last decade of division and setting out an ambitious plan to move Scotland forward.”
An SNP spokeswoman said: “Douglas Ross received widespread criticism for his inflammatory and divisive comments about Gypsy/ Travellers, including from Amnesty International.”