An SNP official has resigned after an alleged ‘threatening phone call’ to a new business owner.
Ian McPherson, a staffer for Ayr MP Allan Dorans left his position ‘with immediate effect’ after allegations came to light several weeks ago.
Ayrshire Live revealed exclusively that McPherson was under a probe by the SNP Westminster member after he made a phone call to Ayr painter Craig Hainey.
The call followed the opening of Mr Hainey’s new shop ProPaints in Ayr’s North Harbour, to which he had invited Tory MSP Sharon Dowey.
Mr Hainey claimed to have received a call from McPherson asking why Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown had not been asked along instead.
Mr Hainey then claimed McPherson warned him: “I hope this doesn’t affect your business”.
The SNP worker, then, admitted to making the call and said he was “trying to clear up confusion between list MSPs and MSPs”.
He also admitted offering Mr Hainey £50 after the Ayrshire Post had got in touch over the allegations.
MP Dorans confirmed this week that McPherson left his role on September 16.
In a statement the SNP politician told how his worker has apologised.
A spokesperson for Allan Dorans MP said: “Following an investigation into the allegations made against Mr McPherson, he admitted that he made a mistake, has apologised, and resigned from his employment with Allan Dorans MP with immediate effect on September 16.”
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