An SNP councillor, Kairin van Sweeden, who was accused of breaching a code of conduct after branding her political opponent, Labour’s Deena Tissera, as a “new Scot,” has been cleared of any wrongdoing. The incident occurred during a heated Aberdeen City Council meeting in 2023, where van Sweeden made the controversial remark and later issued an apology. Tissera, who is of Sri Lankan descent, condemned the comment as racist, expressing her shock at the SNP councillor’s actions.
Initially, van Sweeden referred herself to the Ethical Standards Commissioner, who found that she had breached the code of conduct. However, a separate investigation by the Standards Commission for Scotland concluded that van Sweeden’s remark did not constitute a breach of the code. The panel acknowledged that the term “New Scot” was used to differentiate Tissera from individuals born or long-term residents of Scotland but determined that there was no intent to be offensive or discriminatory.
Following the clearance of the conduct breach, van Sweeden, who had temporarily stepped back from her SNP party membership during the investigation, expressed her gratitude to the Standards Commission for their thorough examination of the evidence. Tissera, on the other hand, voiced her disappointment and shock at the decision.
This incident highlights the delicate nature of political discourse and the importance of upholding standards of respect and professionalism in public office. While van Sweeden may have been cleared of breaching the code of conduct, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and sensitivity in addressing one’s political opponents.
In conclusion, the Standards Commission’s decision to clear SNP councillor Kairin van Sweeden of a conduct breach after her “new Scot” remark towards Labour’s Deena Tissera underscores the complexities of political interactions. It emphasises the significance of maintaining decorum and respect in political discourse, even amid differing ideologies and viewpoints. Such incidents compel policymakers to uphold ethical standards and foster constructive dialogue for the betterment of democratic processes.