No place for shameful bigotry

ANAS Sarwar is a man I have worked with, like, admire – and have often fallen out with.

But the idea he should be disqualified from leading the Scottish Labour Party because of the colour of his skin or his religion is abhorrent.

The stance Mr Sarwar, pictured, took last week, in calling out bigots and racists who allegedly said he could not be elected because of who he is, is one I admire. On this we stand shoulder to shoulder.

His detractors are fortunate that, in my experience, Mr Sarwar is not a vengeful kind of person. He will take blows but not bear grudges. If he did the Scottish Labour Party would have even greater problems than it patently has. But while it is not on the same scale, I share his experience. Back in the day, I was told by a then senior MP that I could not possibly stand for the Labour Party in the West of Scotland because I am a member of the Church of Scotland. My family – who happen to be mainly Roman Catholic – were appalled when I told them the story. The person who offered me this counsel has since lost their seat to someone whose religion is not known to me – and probably not to their electorate.