A BANNER branding an SNP councillor as the “laziest” representative in Edinburgh has been condemned by cross-party figures.
The banner targeting Kate Campbell, who represents the Portobello/Craigmillar ward in the city, calls for her to be ousted from office and asks “what is she doing all day?”
The bright-yellow poster, which also calls the councillor a “champagne socialist” and claims she is “never in the constituency”, was attached to railings at Portobello promenade.
Councillors spoke out against the stunt, with Mary Campbell of the Scottish Greens calling out the “appalling public attack”.
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“Since we were elected in 2017 I have seen how dedicated she is, how much she cares about the area, and her hard work as housing, homelessness and fair work convener,” the councillor said.
“I know she is working all hours of the day, on not just ward casework and campaigns, but major citywide issues like improving council housing repairs and tackling homelessness.”
Mary went on: “This nasty grudge campaign is completely inappropriate, and to see it during a time when parties are trying to encourage more young women into politics is really upsetting.”
She added that if she saw anything similar put up in the area she would remove it herself.
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The local Jack Kane Community Centre also hit out at the “horribly, cowardly act”, with a spokesperson saying Campbell “always works hard” for residents.
A spokesperson for Portobello’s community council described Campbell as a “regular and valued attendee” and reminded people there are “proper” methods to complain about councillors.
Campbell commented: “It’s an honour to represent my local community. Nothing will stop me from working hard to make things better for the people I stood to serve.”
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