Call to axe social work councillor over clash

A call has been made for a senior councillor to be sacked, after allegations he was abusive towards a carer fighting to save a centre for the disabled.

SNP group leader James Dornan has written to Glasgow City Council leader, Gordon Matheson, demanding the sacking of Matt Kerr, as Executive Member for Social Work.

Mr Dornan claims that Mr Kerr, was “aggressive and threatening” towards the female carer, and had to be restrained by the council’s social work boss.

Mr Kerr disputed the version of events described by Mr Dornan.

The incident is alleged to have happened after a meeting in the City Chambers about the future of the Accord Centre in the city’s East End.

Mr Dornan said: “I have been informed his behaviour became so alarming that the Director for Social Work, David Crawford, had to pull him away from the carer as he was pointing into her face, raising his voice and invading her space.

“When another carer tried to calm him down he was treated to the same behaviour from Councillor Kerr.”

Mr Dornan, who is also SNP MSP for Cathcart, has said the behaviour was inappropriate.

In the letter to Mr Matheson, he said: “Given that Councillor Kerr holds such a crucial role in your administration, I regretfully ask that you remove Councillor Kerr from his position with immediate effect.”

However, Mr Kerr said: “This incident did not happen in the way described by Councillor Dornan. Following a very constructive meeting with carers and services, a number of people who had not attended the whole of the meeting gathered around me.

“It was never my intention to make any of them feel as though I was doing anything other than taking their concerns very seriously.

“On this basis I am happy to apologise for any upset that they may have felt.”