SNP Highland councillor suspended from the party, while another seeks legal advice
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A SECOND SNP councillor has been suspended from the Highland Council group amid a furious internal spat within the party over the local authority’s response to Covid-19.
Councillor Kirsteen Currie (North, West and Central Sutherland) was stood down by party leaders in the Highlands after allegedly addressing senior councillors inappropriately. An anonymous witness claimed that she swore at a party group leader.
It comes after Inverness Ness-side councillor Ron MacWilliam was suspended from the SNP group over the Covid-19 response. He is alleged to have sent strongly-worded emails criticising the council’s leadership and also to have addressed senior councillors inappropriately.
Claims that Lochaber councillor Niall McLean had also been sidelined were denied by party bosses yesterday.
SNP group co-leader councillor Ian Cockburn said: “Councillor Currie was suspended from the SNP Highland group approximately two weeks ago.
“There will be a formal inquiry after the Covid-19 outbreak has been brought under control because you can’t hold an inquiry now.”
Cllr Currie said: “It is disappointing, especially at such a time of crisis, that the leadership of the Highland SNP group have focused so much energy on attempting to harm the good reputation of their own colleagues.
“There is no doubt that the party’s rules have not been followed by group leaders, but once due process kicks in I am confident this mess will be cleared up and those responsible held to account.”
