'New Scot' row councillor cleared of racism after 'clumsy' comment

A councillor at the centre of a racism row after calling a colleague a "New Scot" has been cleared by the Standards Commission. 

Labour's Deena Tissera said the comment by former SNP councillor Kairin van Sweeden was "nothing less than racism".

The remark was made during a meeting of Aberdeen City Council in late 2023 and, following a self-referral by van Sweeden, the Ethical Standards Commissioner found she had committed a breach of conduct rules.

But in a new finding, the Standards Commission for Scotland - a separate body - has ruled that van Sweeden did not discriminate against Sri Lankan-born Tissera.

After a hearing, Dr Lezley Stewart, Standards Commission member, said van Sweeden had "accepted the remark was clumsily worded" but "did not intend it to be offensive or discriminatory". She went on: "The panel recognised, however, that the comment had caused offence to the complainer."

The issue arose during a discussion of the bedroom tax in which van Sweeden suggested that, as a "New Scot", Tissera - who moved to Aberdeen more than a decade ago - may have been unaware of Scottish Government actions to mitigate the policy.

Van Sweeden "stepped back from" the SNP and has since sat as an independent.

In a written decision, the Standards Commission said van Sweeden was "shocked and surprised by the reaction in the council chamber" to her words and had "apologised publicly at the meeting immediately after" concerns were raised.

It said her understanding of the term 'New Scot' to describe those who have moved to the country was "solely positive".

It said the term could have "derogatory or discriminatory" connotations but did not accept that van Sweeden had "had sought to distinguish the other councillor on the grounds of her race" and the phrase could also refer to a white person.

Stewart said: "The panel recognised the sensitivities of this case and the strong feelings that have been expressed by those involved. 

"The Standards Commission wishes to emphasise that racism and discrimination are abhorrent, have no place in politics and should not be tolerated. The Standards Commission, and indeed the public, expect politicians, including local councillors, to lead by example and be respectful at all times. This includes refraining from using language, or terminology, that could be perceived as being offensive. The panel noted that a failure to do so only serves to lower standards of public discourse and encourage the exchange of abuse, rather than reasoned and respectful debate."