A young councillor has accused some of his Perth and Kinross Council colleagues of ageism, claiming he has been shouted at, sworn at, and subjected to ageist jokes. Xander McDade, 25, who was elected as an independent in 2017 at the age of 23, said the behaviour included a senior councillor jokingly suggesting installing a ‘mosquito’ device in his office to deter him from entering.
The device emits a high-frequency noise audible only to young people. McDade said the intent behind such comments was malicious and belittling, adding that while he could take a joke, the aim was to put him down. He said it was already difficult for young people to get a voice at the table, and this behaviour made it harder to say what they were elected to say.
McDade said he did not make a formal complaint because he felt it would worsen his situation, but hoped speaking out would make people consider their actions. Fellow councillor Alasdair Bailey said he had challenged ageist behaviour when he witnessed it. Council leader Murray Lyle said he only learned of the allegations when they appeared in the local paper.
Karen Reid, chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council, said she did not recognise the situation described and was sorry it had been McDade’s experience. She said ageism would not be condoned and urged anyone with concerns to speak up.
