Labour yesterday celebrated the defection of an SNP councillor and a council by-election victory as a "double whammy" which, they said, proved that the Alex Salmond honeymoon was over.
Labour yesterday celebrated the defection of an SNP councillor and a council by-election victory as a "double whammy" which, they said, proved that the Alex Salmond honeymoon was over.
The move by SNP back bencher Colin Deans to the Labour ranks in Glasgow was seen as a coup for council leader Steven Purcell. Party activists in East Ayrshire were also happy at holding the Ballochmyle council ward.
Mr Deans, 67, a former oil industry executive, was elected last year as one of three councillors to represent the Newlands/Auldburn ward, but clashed with the SNP group on the planned Go Ape! activity centre in Pollok Park. He backed the proposal, describing its critics as "dog-walking nimbies".
After another outspoken comment about the Irish community in Scotland not voting for the SNP, he was sacked as housing spokesman, which he said was another crude way of exerting group authority.
Mr Deans claims that he felt bullied by SNP council group leader James Dornan, and told The Herald: "I would not have been able to make a deal with the old Labour Party, but I have been impressed with the common sense of the Labour administration.
"I went from a situation where I was put down, ignored, harassed and bullied to one where I was respected, made welcome and given a wee bit of respect and consideration."
Mr Purcell said: "I have always made it clear I will work with anyone whose best interests are Glasgow, regardless of party or trade union."
Labour's Holyrood leader Iain Gray said: "Coming after Glenrothes, this double whammy is a devastating blow for the SNP. They have made bad decisions across Scotland, and even their own councillors are fed up.
"The SNP do not treat local government with the seriousness it deserves. They are refusing to give councils enough money to run world-class schools and social services, while at the same time telling us that everything is rosy. This shows the incompetence of the SNP in power.
"The fact that Labour's newest councillor, Colin Deans, has left the SNP because of bullying and harassment says everything we need to know about their style of political management. I very much welcome our new councillors and know they will all do a great job for the people in their area."
Mr Dornan described the claims of bullying as "ludicrous" and senior SNP sources predicted Labour would rue the day it took Mr Deans in, saying: "They are welcome to him. He is eccentric, egocentric, and loves the sound of his own voice. He was trouble from day one."
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the MSP for Glasgow Govan, said: "Colin has struggled to play his part in the SNP team and there have been personality clashes."
In East Ayrshire, Labour's David Shaw, a former Conservative who became wealthy in the dairy business, said: "I will fight hard for local people, because I know residents want someone to stand up for fairness and for local services."
In North Ayrshire, however, the SNP gained the Kilbirnie & Beith ward with a 15% swing from Labour in a by-election, with the election of Anthea Dickson as the new councillor.
The SNP vote rose from 23% in May 2007 to 49%, while Labour fell back to 34%. SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson, who represents the Cunninghame North constituency, said: "This is an outstanding result for the SNP in what was seen as one of Labour's strongholds and will be a devastating defeat to Labour in North Ayrshire."
