Cairngorms National Park Authority deputy takes leave after backing comments about 'stringing up' MP
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The Cairngorms National Park Authority board deputy convener has been removed from her duties whilst an investigation is carried out into remarks she supported made about an MP.
Geva Blackett is taking 'a period of leave' from her role after backing comments that north-east MP Andrew Bowie (Scottish Conservative) 'should be strung up from a bridge' made from a separate Twitter account on Wednesday evening.
Media reports state the original Tweet described Mr Bowie as 'pathetic and grovelling' and suggested 'dangling' him from Kincardine Bridge. Councillor Blackett, an SNP Aberdeen-shire councillor, then suggested another bridge retorting to a response by the MP.
The post has since been deleted and police are investigating.
CNPA board convener Xander McDade said: “Councillor Geva Blackett posted remarks on Twitter about Andrew Bowie MP.
"Councillor Blackett subsequently removed the comment and issued an apology to Mr Bowie.
"Councillor Blackett will with immediate effect take a period of leave from her duties as board deputy convener while the matter is investigated.
"The CNPA will not be issuing any further statement on the matter until the conclusion of the investigation.”
Following a backlash over the incident, Ms Blackett posted on Facebook that she was 'pretty stressed and very tired' and would be 'taking a break'.
A spokesperson for the SNP Aberdeenshire group told the press: “Our group leader was made aware of the comment on Wednesday night and immediately spoke with Councillor Blackett.
“Councillor Blackett advised that the comment was meant to be a joke that stems from when Mr Bowie sent her an offensive email.
"However, Councillor Blackett understands it was in bad taste. She has deleted the comment and has apologised to Mr Bowie.”
Four years ago Mr Bowie, then chief of staff to Liam Kerr MP had to issue an 'unreserved apology' after labelling Councillor Blackett a 'flipping woman'.
She had asked Mr Kerr to lend his support to a motor neurone disease charity campaign.
