An Aberdeen councillor has been suspended after being found to have breached the councillors’ code of conduct by making a controversial comment towards a fellow councillor.
The incident concerned SNP representative Kairin van Sweeden, who referred to Labour’s Sri Lanka-born Deena Tissera as a “New Scot” during a council exchange.
The Commissioner for Ethical Standards ruled that although the phrase “New Scot” does not necessarily carry negative or racist intent, the context in which Van Sweeden used the term was deemed derogatory and insulting.
It was judged that her remark implied Councillor Tissera lacked familiarity with regulations long established in Scotland and the UK, thereby diminishing Tissera’s professional credibility on the basis of her origin.
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As the investigation proceeded, Councillor Van Sweeden chose to resign from her membership in the SNP. Councillor Tissera publicly stated that the remark had undermined her standing and highlighted the need for higher standards of conduct in local government.
The Commissioner’s report has now been referred to the Standards Commission for Scotland for further consideration. Van Sweeden has been approached to provide her response to the ruling.
This incident throws into relief ongoing concerns about inclusivity and respect within public office, emphasising the responsibilities of elected officials to maintain professional and non-discriminatory conduct.
