Party suspends blogger over ‘vile’ net post

A blogger has had his SNP membership suspended following the publication of a post described as “vile” and “anti-Semitic”.

The blog was aimed towards GMB organiser Rhea Wolfson and included references to Hitler “accusing ‘the Jew’ of gradually assuming leadership of the trade union movement”.

It was shared across social media platforms, including on the SNP Edinburgh East Twitter page, Livingston East Facebook page and the campaign page of two West Lothian councillors.

The author of the Grouse Beater blog, Gareth Wardell, said the essay was an attack on fascism and that political opponents had “tried to make it sound sinister”.

“I unreservedly apologise to her for my lack of understanding”

The Scottish Labour Party and the GMB wrote letters to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon calling for an investigation into the post.

An SNP spokesman said: “A complaint has been passed to the disciplinary committee and the individual has been suspended.”

There are also calls for the suspension of SNP Councillor Frank Anderson, a representative of East Livingston and East Calder, after he initially defended the post.

GMB Scotland Secretary Gary Smith said: “The SNP’s suspension of Mr Wardell was the only logical course of action to take. However, the apology from Councillor Anderson is insufficient in light of the earlier defence of his comments.”

Councillor Anderson said:“I was unaware of her Jewish heritage. I unreservedly apologise to her for my embarrassing lack of understanding.”