The leader of the Scottish Conservatives in Perth and Kinross has criticised SNP Councillor John Rebbeck for his “belated apology” following the SNP politician liking an appalling image on social media following last week’s Supreme Court judgement ruling.
Councillor John Duff has stated that the Conservative group will now consider their options before they decide what further action they may take.
Last week, Councillor Rebbeck, who represents Perth City North for the SNP, received widespread criticism for liking an appalling image on Twitter in the aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling that the SNP Government did not have legal authority to hold another independence referendum. The image was of a young, blindfolded woman with a broken Scottish Saltire being gagged and held down by a man with Union Flags on his shirt cuffs.
Scottish Conservatives in Perth and Kinross called upon Councillor Grant Laing, SNP Leader of the council, to remove Councillor Rebbeck from his post as Convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Learning and Families Committee. However, Councillor Laing has stated that Councillor Rebbeck has his group’s full support and will remain in the post.
Commenting, Councillor John Duff, leader of the Scottish Conservatives in Perth and Kinross, said: “It is utterly shameful that it took Councillor Rebbeck five days to issue a belated apology for his shocking actions in ‘liking’ this despicable image on social media. Coming from a Councillor in his position of responsibility, as one who is in charge of the education of our children, and also in the week when we launched the annual campaign of Action Against Violence towards Women and Girls, we were absolutely astonished that anyone would profess to like this sickening image.
“We were rightly outraged at this and called upon Councillor Laing to remove Councillor Rebbeck from his post as Convener of this committee. However, Councillor Laing has now come out in favour of retaining him in his position and stated Councillor Rebbeck has his group’s support for that decision.”
Councillor Duff continued: “The Scottish Conservative group in Perth and Kinross will now consider their options before deciding what further action we may deem necessary.”
