AN SNP councillor has been suspended after using racist language on social media.
Julie Dettbarn of South Ayrshire Council used the phrase “n*****in the woodpile” during a group chat with party colleagues.
She has now been suspended by group leader Douglas Campbell over the “intolerable” language.
The suspension follows an apology by Dettbarn, who said there was “no excuse” for the “lazy and stupid” wording. She has also stepped down as health and social work chair.
However, Campbell said further action should be taken.
The move has been backed by Transport Minister Humza Yousaf, who tweeted: “Simply no excuse for use of racist language.
“It doesn’t matter to me what party a person belongs to, this needs called out! Absolutely right Cllr Dettbarn has been suspended & consideration is given to further disciplinary action.
“Pleased SNP Council Group taken swift action.”
Dettbarn, who represents the Kyle ward, told the Ayrshire Post: “During a group chat with SNP colleagues, I used an outdated phrase that I recognise as being entirely unacceptable. I apologised to colleagues for the offensive nature of that phrase at the time.
“It was a lazy and stupid comment and there is no excuse for that.”
Campbell stated: “While I can accept Julie’s apology, we can’t avoid the fact the terminology she used was intolerable and, as a result, she has been suspended.”
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