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SCOTLAND's only Chinese councillor is suing the SNP for discrimination, after quitting the party amid allegations of racism.

Yen Hongmei Jin, who represents Lochar ward in Dumfries and Galloway , claims officials jeopardised her attempts to become a candidate in the UK and Scottish Parliament elections because of her background.

She also says that party chiefs ignored a complaint about a “vulgar” email sent to her by a local party member.

Ms Hongmei Jin told The Herald: "I am disgusted with the SNP, it is no longer the party I believe in.

"It's not the people's party, it's not Scotland's party, they are just a party for themselves.

"After everything I've done for the SNP, here I had a party member saying that I'm pretending to be Scottish and it's a pity they have to suffer us."

The email Jin claims had racist connotations was a response to a group invitation she sent out for a Burns Night fundraiser in February.

She alleges the member’s reply was “very offensive” and questioned her “right to host a Scottish-themed event”.

Jin claims she complained to bosses at SNP HQ in Edinburgh at the time and, although she admits they acknowledged it immediately, no further action was taken.

The SNP refute the allegations.

A Party spokesman told the Herald: "We strongly deny Cllr Yen's claims and we are confident they will be dismissed by the employment tribunal."