Dundee SNP councillor quits over alleged Islamophobic texting row

A FORMER aide to SNP deputy leader Stuart Hosie, embroiled in a row over alleged anti-Islamic texts, has quit his role as a local councillor in Â­Dundee.

By The Newsroom Friday, 5th February 2016, 8:58 pm Updated Friday, 5th February 2016, 9:07 pm

Craig Melville

Craig Melville says that the row has taken its toll on his health and his family. A by-election is now being earmarked for the area which he currently represents.

He has already been suspended from his role as an aide to Mr Hosie, the Dundee East MP.

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“The pressures of the recent deeply distressing allegations are having an adverse effect on the health of my family and I,” he said in a statement yesterday.

“Therefore I do not feel that I am currently able to fulfil my duties as councillor for the aforementioned ward and to continue as convener of the environment committee to the best of my abilities.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say how proud I have been to serve the residents of the Maryfield ward and for the help and assistance I have received from the various community groups.

“I would also like to acknowledge the support I have received over the years from council officers and fellow councillors across all parties. I will not be making any further comment and would appreciate if the privacy of my friends and family, who are fully supporting me, may be respected.”

Dundee City Council confirmed that its chief executive had received Mr Melville’s resignation.

A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “We can confirm that a letter of resignation from Mr Melville has been received by the chief executive. A by-election will be called for the Maryfield ward and arrangements will be made in due course.”

The councillor is currently under investigation for allegedly sending anti-Islamic texts to a Muslim colleague. They are said to include a number of messages to an unnamed woman a day after the Paris terror attacks.