Tories on Glasgow City council have called on an SNP councillor, who tweeted about ‘hating the UK’ during the Eurovision song contest, to resign as chair of the education committee.

Rhiannon Spear sparked a backlash on social media after her comment prompted outrage from political opponents.

The councillor for Greater Pollok, posted a message as the UK entry to the contest came last, scoring nil points from all the other countries.

She tweeted “It’s ok Europe, we hate the United Kingdom too, love Scotland”

She included the Eurovision hashtag and a Scotland flag on the tweet.

Tory and Labour politicians in Glasgow reacted to the comment on their twitter accounts.

Thomas Kerr, group leader of the Glasgow Conservatives, said: “Don’t ever let the SNP attempt to fool you with their ‘civic and joyous’ nonsense. This is the true face of Scottish Nationalism and it’s just as vile as any other.”

Glasgow Times:

He added: “Rhiannon, you’re the chair of the Glasgow City council Education committee. Not really setting a good example to our young people, are you? We should be teaching tolerance and inclusion, not hate and division.”

In a statement he called for her to consider resignation.

Mr Kerr said: “It is unfortunate that Councillor Spear feels hatred towards the United Kingdom. But that is her right as an individual in the free society that generations of Britons have fought for her to be able to enjoy. It is not her right however – but a privilege - to hold a position of responsibility in Glasgow City Council. The Education Committee which she heads completes vital work to ensure young people in Glasgow receive a high-quality education, especially after the disruption of COVID-19. Rhiannon Spear’s comments suggest that she does not have the maturity to fulfil this role. 

“While the Glasgow Conservatives recognise Councillor Spear belatedly apologised for her appalling tweet, we believe that she should be seriously considering resigning from her position as Convenor of the Council's Education, Skills and Early Years Committee. If she remains in position, our group will ensure every avenue is explored to truly hold her to account for these shocking comments.”

Glasgow Labour group leader, Malcolm Cunning, councillor for Linn, also criticised the Pollok councillor’s tweet.

Glasgow Times:

He said: “Cllr Spear is clearly proud of this tweet. She has retweeted it and subsequently sought to justify it.”

He asked if Nicola Sturgeon and Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow city council “stand by their colleague”, adding “I think we all deserve to know”.

The tweet was later deleted and the account that councillor Spear used to tweet it from, no longer exists.

She said: "I have now deleted this tweet about the UK's results in the Eurovision Song Contest, and apologise for any offence caused."

The Glasgow Times attempted to contact Rhiannon Spear to respond to the resignation call but was unable to.