A former Scottish Socialist and Solidarity candidate who was elected as the sole SNP councillor in a west Fife ward in May has denied using a community group for political gain.
Founder member of West Fife Multicultural Group Anjim Chalmers has claimed Kate Stewart used her membership of the group to secure funds for local projects in order to find favour with the electorate.
Ms Stewart, who has denied the allegation, talked up glass fusion classes set up with the group’s money in her election leaflets.
Mrs Chalmers (39) has written a strongly-worded complaint to the chief executive of Fife Council.
In the letter she said: ”I have serious concerns as to Kate’s influence over the group members as she is making all the decisions. Funding has been applied for and it is not being used for the group’s actual purpose. Vast amounts have been received.”
After failed attempts to become an MP, MSP and MEP as a Scottish Socialist Party candidate, and later as a candidate for Tommy Sheridan’s splinter party, Solidarity, Ms Stewart joined the SNP.
She was chosen as one of two SNP candidates in the West Fife and Coastal Villages ward, before being elected to Fife Council in May 2012 at the sixth stage of counting.
In her election leaflets she claimed to have ”helped secure £25,000 funding for a glass-fusion jewellery project in Kincardine” money awarded to West Fife Multicultural Group.
The former Fife Council community education worker went on to say: ”Classes will be held in Kincardine Community Centre, with the funding paying for a qualified tutor, material and tools, a free crche, free transport and a flat-bed glass kiln.”
In her letter, Mrs Chalmers, who is treasurer of the group, goes on to claim Ms Stewart set up the classes ”to benefit her political career and gain votes.”
Speaking to The Courier, Mrs Chalmers said: ”In July 2011 I was approached by Kate Stewart, who said she was keen to revive the group.
”She had also mentioned that she was looking for a group with a constitution and a bank account. It seems to me she has got involved in the group to gain funding for classes and gain votes to benefit her political career.”
Fife Council chief executive Ronnie Hinds responded to Mrs Chalmers’ allegations in a letter seen by The Courier.
He said: ”On the broader issues you have raised, although not the responsibility of Fife Council, I would recommend that Jo Ross, the community education worker who has been supporting the group, should assist in mediating the issues raised and support the group in a way in which all parties can resolve their concerns.”
The Courier understands some members of the group are seeking to change the name of West Fife Multicultural Group to West Fife Villages Culture and Heritage Group, and a new constitution has been drawn up.
Mrs Chalmers said: ”I want to know why the group’s name and constitution is now being changed? To me, that shows what Kate’s intentions were all along.”
Ms Stewart rejected the allegations.