Annandale North member Adam Wilson, 21, plans to contact Ruth Davidson after comments referencing his work load and university commitments were linked during the first meeting of Dumfries and Galloway Council today.
Following the suggestion that Mr Wilson take on the role as the region’s Young People’s Champion, fellow councillor Ian Carruthers, speaking at the meeting, said: “I think the role could be split: Adam representing the east and coucnillor Andrew Giusti representing the west, as he’s a young guy too at 22.
“Adam has his final year at university to think about, he has a dissertation to focus on and I don’t want to see him affected by a heavy workload in his first year on the job.”
But the comments did not go down well with Mr Wilson, who demanded an apology before accepting the role of Young People’s Champion.
Speaking after the meeting, he expressed disappointment that Conservative group leader Mr Carruthers had questioned his ‘heavy workload’.
Cllr Wilson, who is from Lochmaben, said: “In doing so he linked my personal and professional life, raising the fact that I am a university student.
“I am disappointed that any councillor would consider such a thought, never mind say it in a meeting.”
He added: “Mr Carruthers did not suggest that any of my fellow councillors would struggle to carry out their roles along with any personal or professional commitments they may have.
“As a hard working university student who has studied aspects of employment law I know these comments to be indirect discrimination which is unacceptable in politics and in wider society.”
Cllr Carruthers apologised during the meeting, which was accepted, but Mr Wilson does not want to let the matter drop and wants Ruth Davidson to condemn the remarks and consider Mr Carruthers’ leadership position.
He said: “I was honoured to be elected as Young People’s Champion, it is now my responsibility to stand up for young people living in Dumfries and Galloway.”
However, Mr Carruthers says the comments were misconstrued. He said: “As a councillor with ten years experience I know how much work is involved. Adam’s a new councillor and I know his final year of university is important, so I thought it might make sense to share the workload of Young People’s Champion.
“I suggested the role be split: Adam representing the east and Andrew Giusti representing the west, as he’s a young guy too at 22.
“That suggestion was a genuine olive branch and I was stunned when Adam asked for an apology for mentioning university and his personal life.”
He added: “I think writing to Ruth Davidson is a petty reaction and shows a real level of immaturity.
“He might not be cut out for life as a councillor if he’s reacted so strongly to the suggestion of splitting a role.”
