A prominent former SNP Councillor has resigned the party in spectacular fashion and launched a scathing attack on the SNP’s current state.
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser believes that this move underlines growing tensions within the party locally.
Ewan Dow, who was formerly leader of the SNP-ran Tayside Regional Council, quit the party claiming it now resembles a cult more interested in taking selfies and posting insulting comments online than in developing or critiquing policies.
The SNP has come under huge pressure locally following their decision to spend £150,000 of taxpayers’ money on refitting the council chambers, in addition to their inaction over retail decline in Perth city centre.
At the Scottish Parliament elections 3 weeks ago, there were substantial swings to the Conservatives from the SNP in both Perthshire & Kinross seats.
Murdo believes that party infighting has distracted the SNP and this latest public spat demonstrates where their real priorities lie.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“By firing such a public broadside at a party he has been a member of since 1991 Ewan Dow’s resignation should act as a wake-up call to the SNP. As a former council leader his criticism of the party comes from a position of respect.
“This incident underlines what we have known for some time, the SNP are in freefall in Perth and Kinross, focussed more on a second independence referendum than putting forth meaningful policies.
“They have taken their eye off the ball locally, as seen in their inaction over retail issues in Perth city. Their decision to splash £150,000 of taxpayers money on chairs and tables for Perth’s Council HQ showed a complete lack of self-awareness.
“I would encourage the SNP to move away from petty infighting and focus less on bickering and more on the job at hand.”