A professor leading an “independent review” into the SQA exam grades scandal is at the centre of a row over his public support for the SNP.
Mark Priestley declared for Nicola Sturgeon’s party at the general election in December and said the “clear” message in some seats was “vote SNP or get a Tory”.
He also tweeted that supporting a candidate dumped by the SNP over anti-Semitism could “perhaps” be a “lesser of two evils”.
Tory MSP Jamie Greene said yesterday: “Scottish parents and pupils have rightly demanded a truly neutral and fully independent review into the exams fiasco.
“They may question if that’s what they will get from someone who judges that a candidate suspended by the SNP for anti-Semitism is the ‘lesser of two evils’.
“The SNP must consider if Mr Priestley is the right man for the job.”
Education Secretary John Swinney this week announced that about 120,000 downgraded results would be reversed following a backlash by pupils and parents.
The original system, devised by the Scottish Qualifications Authority, saw young people from schools in poorer areas have their grades lowered disproportionately.
Swinney apologised and said the grades would now be based on initial teacher judgment.
He also told MSPs: “An independent review, led by Professor Mark Priestley of Stirling University, will look at events following the cancellation of the examination diet and, given the urgency, I’ve asked for an initial report with recommendations on how we should go forward within five weeks.”
But now the SNP Government’s decision to choose Priestley has been questioned over some of his tweets in December.
Commenting on a newspaper’s tactical voting guide, he wrote: “Some clear messages here, including the Stirling and Ochil constituencies. Vote SNP or get a a [sic] Tory.”
A Twitter user responded by saying the guide advocated a vote in Cowdenbeath for Neale Hanvey, who was suspended by the SNP amid an anti-Semitism row.
Priestley responded: “Perhaps a lesser of two evils. Very difficult dilemmas indeed.”
Hanvey had shared a post on social media in 2016 which included an image of billionaire George Soros as a puppetmaster controlling world leaders – a well-known anti-Semitic trope.
He was suspended by the SNP during the campaign but it was too late for him to be replaced on the ballot paper.
He ended up beating Labour’s Lesley Laird. Hanvey sat as an independent before being readmitted to the SNP.
He apologised “unreservedly” for the “clearly unacceptable” post.
On election day, Priestley also made clear who he was backing in his own constituency.
He tweeted: “I am voting today tp [sic] stop Boris Johnson. That means voting tactically. In my constituency that means a vote for the SNP. Today, please vote in the interests of the country, putting aside party loyalties.”
Labour MP Ian Murray said last night: “If the review isn’t properly independent it will make Mr Swinney and the First Minister’s humiliating apology a little vacuous.
“The ill-judged remarks from Professor Priestley about the SNP politician who was suspended after being accused of anti-Semitic posts require an explanation.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Professor Priestley will conduct a wholly independent review. He is a widely respected academic with impeccable credentials.
“We are certain his review will be detailed and rigorous.”
Priestley was asked to comment.
