The Scottish Tory candidate has been expelled from his party after being linked to a series of fanatical publications in an online forum.
Greg Turner, who will become an adviser in the Barhead area of the East Renfrewshire council, called a local Catholic high school a “fan factory” in a discussion of the watersheds.
The Tories stood behind a profile known as “MearnsUnionist” on an online discussion board.
In one post, he described what he saw as a change in the Clarkston Stamperland district after the opening of St Ninian High School in nearby Gifnok.
He said: “Many pope families have moved so they can take their children to Scotland’s best-performing fan factory.”
He added: “Obviously there are still a good number of good guys in this area, but there has definitely been penetration over time.”
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In another post, the MearnsUnionist account reported: “Barrhead has by far the largest population of mentally disabled people in East Renfrewshire.”
Turner was dismissed by the Tories tonight after Record provided the party with details of the investigation.
A Conservative spokesman said: “This candidate has been suspended after a number of completely unacceptable posts have emerged.”
The Record understands that the party will no longer support Turner’s campaign – but his name will still appear on the ballot as the nomination deadline expires.
Turner will be referred to the Conservative Disciplinary Committee for further action.
The candidate had previously been portrayed in a campaign in East Renfrewshire with former Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlow.
Nil By Mouth, a leading charity against sectarianism, said: “It is right that this man dropped out as a candidate for such hateful remarks.
“But it remains to be voted on, as they have already been printed.
“A strong argument for the party to distribute the leaflet to all voters in the area before May 5, outlining why it was stopped and asking them not to vote for it.
Greg Turner had already been expelled from the Scottish Tories
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Labor Party said: “There should be absolutely no room for sectarianism and religious hatred in politics.
“It is legal that this candidate was suspended because of these horrific comments, but it is a shame that he will still appear on the ballot as a Tory candidate.
“The Scottish Tories must make it absolutely clear that they do not support or support this candidate in any way. We must have zero tolerance for all forms of bigotry and prejudice.”
Turner said: “I apologize unreservedly for my comments. I am completely sorry for them and I apologize for any insult.”
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