A Conservative councillor representing the Scottish Borders has been suspended from the party following a racist social media post that targeted people of African descent living in Scotland.
The controversy erupted after Councillor Gavin Logan, who serves on Scottish Borders Council, published comments on Facebook that have been widely condemned as inflammatory and discriminatory. The post specifically referenced the African-Scottish community in a negative light.
Swift Party Action
The Scottish Conservatives moved quickly to distance themselves from Logan's remarks, confirming his immediate suspension pending a full investigation. A party spokesman stated that such views have no place within the Conservative Party.
"We have suspended Councillor Logan pending an investigation," the spokesman said. "The comments made are completely unacceptable and do not reflect the values of the Scottish Conservatives."
Local Reaction and Council Response
The incident has sparked anger and disappointment among local residents and community leaders in the Scottish Borders region. Many have expressed shock that an elected official would express such views publicly.
Scottish Borders Council has acknowledged the situation but indicated that as a matter of party discipline, it falls primarily under the jurisdiction of the Conservative Party to address the conduct of their elected members.
The suspension means Councillor Logan will no longer represent the Conservative Party in council matters while the investigation is underway. The case highlights ongoing concerns about social media use by public officials and the need for appropriate conduct standards.
