An SNP councillor in Glasgow has resigned the whip amidst claims he has been subjected to bullying and harassment from the leader’s office.
Glenn Elder, councillor for Linn, will now sit as an independent, saying that he feels the SNP group in Glasgow has “lost focus” and promotes a “hostile” environment.
In a letter submitted to Leader of the Council Susan Aitken this morning, Elder expressed his regret at resigning and explained his reasons.
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The letter revealed: “It is with deep regret that I am writing to inform you of my intention to resign the Scottish National Party whip and my membership of the party and then to sit as an Independent councillor representing the Linn ward of Glasgow.
“I have been proud to serve as an SNP Councillor for the Glasgow Linn ward, and both as the SNP Council Group Treasurer & SNP Cathcart Branch Treasurer.”
In his decision making, Glenn Elder pointed to a number of members feeling undervalued and suggested some were of the opinion that their views had been ignored altogether.
The letter stated: “Unfortunately, since the election of an SNP administration I have become concerned that the unity and togetherness of the group has gone.
“A significant number of group members now feel undervalued and that their views are being ignored. There is an atmosphere of mistrust amongst members within the group, members briefing against members and many who do not feel valued or consulted in any decisions or allowed to participate in open debates that would help set the political direction of our administration.”
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Elder’s resignation letter even mentions the “unconcealed” hostility he feels coming from Susan Aitken and those at the top of the SNP.
His letter to the Leader continued: “Any criticism of direction is responded to with unconcealed hostility, promoted by you and those close to you. I now believe that I have no choice other than to resign the whip and my SNP membership.
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“I still fully believe in the core tenet of the SNP, that of an independent Scotland. Sadly, I cannot, now, be a member of a group that I believe has lost that particular focus, deviating towards personal agendas and being prepared to use bullying and harassment in order to ensure obedience.”
Responding to Elder’s resignation, an SNP spokesperson thanked the councillor for his service, while disagreeing with his characterisation of the group.
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They said: “We thank Cllr Elder for his service to the SNP since he was elected to represent the Linn Ward in 2012.
"We don’t recognise the characterisation of the group and it is unfortunate that his decision has come after a reshuffle.”
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Commenting on the decision, Glasgow Labour Group Leader Frank McAveety said:“I want to congratulate our colleague Glenn Elder on standing up to bullying and harassment. This cannot have been an easy decision for him. His contribution to the City is appreciated across the Chamber.
“In his letter, he has laid bare a culture of bullying and harassment. This is deeply concerning. For an administration that campaigned on transparency and openness, the revelations today are very damaging.
“Susan Aitken and the SNP must reflect seriously on these concerns, and consider the future of this administration.”
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