A NEW Scottish Green minister has expressed her dismay at a Tory MSP who made a “country bumpkin” jibe in Parliament.
Circular economy minister Lorna Slater condemned Rachael Hamilton’s “childish playground” antics.
The Conservative politician made the comment during a Holyrood debate on the newly unveiled Programme for Government.
As she raised doubts about the Scottish Government’s rural strategy, she made a pointed remark about new Green ministers, Slater and Patrick Harvie.
They have been accepted into Nicola Sturgeon’s government as part of a groundbreaking co-operation deal, with Slater appointed Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Minister. Harvie has been named Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights.
READ MORE: 'We're monsters': Lorna Slater responds as Greens branded 'radical' by media
Hamilton, speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, said: “With the newly announced Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights and the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity taking up their positions, I have been left to wonder when the Government will unveil the next minister for compost, country bumpkins and the winter solstice, adding to the burgeoning number of special advisers and civil servants paid for by the taxpayer.
“Fundamentally, the Programme for Government is designed to meet Green demands and prop up numbers to push an agenda to break up Britain. In effect, it is a one-trick disaster duo.”
READ MORE: Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton sparks fury with NHS survey during pandemic
Slater later rebuked the Tory MSP on social media.
She tweeted: “Did anyone catch the exact wording of the insult that the Tory MSP threw across the chamber at me in this debate?
“It was something about country bumpkins and compost, but I didn't get it down fast enough. Very childish playground stuff.”
It was something about country bumpkins and compost, but I didn't get it down fast enough. Very childish playground stuff.
— Lorna Slater (@lornaslater) September 8, 2021
Under the co-operation agreement, Slater will be one of four ministers under Finance and Economy Secretary Kate Forbes.
Harvie will be one of three ministers working under Shona Robison, the Social Justice and Housing Secretary.
The Green chiefs will also work with the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Secretary Michael Matheson.
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