The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Backing for hopeful in sexism row
An Oban councillor in the running to stand at next year’s Holyrood election has received online support after revealing she was asked by one of her party’s own members who would look after her children if she was elected.
Julie McKenzie, who is standing for selection as the SNP’s candidate for Argyll and Bute, said she responded by asking whether they had ever posed the same question to a male candidate.
The SNP councillor, who represents the Oban North and Lorn ward, tweeted: “Question received from Argyll & Bute SNP member today.
“Julie I think you would be a great MSP, however I have to ask, if you get elected who will look after your kids?”
Ms McKenzie said: “My response... Thank you for your email. However, I have to ask, have you ever asked a male political candidate that question?”
The selection contest has been prompted by Cabinet Secretary Michael Russell’s announcement he is retiring next year.
Aside from Ms McKenzie, four women – Rhiannon Spear, Sarah Fanet, Jenni Minto and Breege Smyth – are in the running to become the SNP candidate for the constituency.
The SNP councillor received a number of messages of support from members of the public and other politicians after revealing the message.
They included SNP MP Amy Callaghan, who said she had also been asked the question during the general election campaign last year, in the context of “future hypothetical children”.
SNP MP Alison Thewliss responded: “I got that in 2015 – I gave the same response.”
Alison Evison, president of Cosla and an Aberdeenshire Labour councillor, said: “Not on. In any political party.
“Not on in other work contexts for that matter.”
And Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman, Monica Lennon, tweeted: “So sorry. I remember being asked similar when I was a councillor and hearing colleagues (from all parties) passing comment on politicians who happened to be mothers. 2020 is bad enough without this boring patter.”
Support was also forthcoming from Mental Health Minister, Claire Haughey, who wrote: “A question I’d bet is never asked of a father.”