An SNP councillor is under investigation by the party over allegations she used racist language in a conversation with an activist.
Julie McAnulty represents the Coatbridge North and Glenboig ward at North Lanarkshire Council and is an SNP candidate for the Scottish Parliament elections.
Sheena McCulloch, an SNP member for almost 40 years, has complained to the party leadership about alleged comments made when she and Ms McAnulty were driving back from a canvassing session.
The complaint, published in the Daily Record, states: “On the journey back Julie was asking me about the trouble and in fighting in the Bellshill 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. I informed her that what she said was unacceptable and that I considered many of the people she was referring to as friends.
“For the remainder of the journey she did not speak to me. Ever since this day Julie has ignored me and refused to speak to me.”
A spokesman for Scottish Labour urged the SNP to take action.
He said: “We have already called for a full investigation by the SNP into the behaviour of Councillor McAnulty. If these allegations are true she is not fit to hold office.”
SNP spokesman said this morning: “The SNP takes a zero tolerance approach to racism in any form. We have received Ms McCulloch’s complaint and are examining the claims she makes.”
Ms McAnulty has been contacted for comment but she has yet to respond.
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