Dundee councillor Craig Melville has today quit from his position amid allegations that he sent racist text messages to a colleague.
The suspended SNP member, who represents Maryfield and is the city’s environment convener, said in a statement that “pressures” of the “deeply distressing” claims made against him had forced him to resign.
It’s alleged that Mr Melville had sent a number of texts to an unnamed woman within the party, a day after the Paris terror attacks.
He said in a statement sent to the Tele: “It is with sadness that I have decided to resign my position as a Councillor for the Maryfield Ward of Dundee.
“The pressures of the recent deeply distressing allegations are having an adverse effect on the health of my family and I.
“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.”
Mr Melville has not commented directly on the allegations but has been suspended from his party since they emerged last month.
Police have since confirmed that they are investigation the messages.
One text allegedly read: “It’s not personal I just ******* hate your religion and I’ll do all in I’m life do defeat your filth.”