The deputy leader of Scottish Labour has refused to apologise for sending a series of texts questioning a party stalwart’s religious faith.
Alex Rowley is facing a standards probe for the messages, in which he accused John Rowan of “badness” after his former friend queried the selection of an independence-supporting candidate.
The Fife MSP refused to discuss the comments, beyond expressing his anger at them being put into the public domain.
He told The Courier: “It was a private discussion with a family friend and I’m obviously disappointed that he has chosen to publicise that.”
On the independence divisions within the party, he said Labour had to move beyond independence arguments, while also waking up to the fact that the “status quo” is not acceptable.
“I believe there is a way forward that is in the best interests of the Scottish public and that is Home Rule and the detail of that needs to be discussed and carried forward in the coming months,” he said.
“But it’s difficult because we do not know what (Brexit stance) the Tories are going to come forward with.”
Mr Rowan, who has been a card-carrying member since 1972, was left fuming by the messages – and said he is considering referring the deputy leader to the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland.
In one message, Mr Rowley suggested Mr Rowan had been “nasty and vicious” over the selection of Mary Lockhart for a recent Fife Council by-election.
The deputy leader added: “I take it you are no longer a Christian given the badness you openly display towards fellow human beings.”
Mr Rowley sent the message after Mr Rowan had taken to social media to criticise Ms Lockhart’s selection.
Mr Rowan responded to the message, labelling it “outrageous”, before Mr Rowley replied: “If I have nothing positive to say about people I will say nothing about them personally.”
That comment drew ridicule from Mr Rowan, who pointed to Mr Rowley’s previous public criticism of Ian Murray MP.
Mr Murray, Labour’s only MP in Scotland, resigned from the Shadow Cabinet in protest at Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, which Mr Rowley continues to support.
Mr Rowley denied he had launched a personal attack on Mr Murray, before adding in a further message “there is only one judge at the end of the day that we all answer to”.
