A candidate vying to be the next Scottish Tory leader claims there have been sexist undertones to the campaign – as she faces the threat of legal action from a colleague.
Meghan Gallacher claims to have experienced sexism while pushing for votes from members in the contest.
It comes as Shadow Scottish Secretary John Lamont instructed his lawyers to write to her to withdraw ‘false and defamatory’ claims that he threatened her political career.
Ms Gallacher had claimed that a senior member of the party – who she did not name – had been briefing against her and suggested to members she was going to drop out.
Ms Gallacher has claimed a senior member of the party – who she did not name – had been briefing against her
She then subsequently made a complaint to the party that Mr Lamont, who heads the board in charge of candidate vetting, left her feeling that he threatened her about her career prospects after receiving a call in which he warned her their relationship had been damaged and was likely beyond repair.
In an interview with the Herald on Sunday, Ms Gallacher said there is a culture of sexism in politics which is not unique to her party, and claimed she has experienced comments about balancing the role with childcare in a way the other candidates, Russell Findlay and Murdo Fraser, had not.
She said: ‘What has been striking – and I know that my male colleagues have not been getting this – I’m constantly being asked “how are you going to balance childcare, how are you going to manage having a young daughter and also having the top job?”
‘But if we don’t prove that someone else can do it, we’re just going to have that same old narrative that women can’t get that top job. I think there is still that sort of culture instilled in people.
‘I don’t think everyone necessarily means it, but there are definitely quiet (sexist) undertones. I don’t think they understand the impact that can have on the individual.’
At the weekend, Mr Lamont instructed his lawyers to write to Ms Gallacher demanding that she withdraw the claims about their telephone conversation.
He is understood to be adamant he has not been involved in phoning members as part of Mr Findlay’s campaign and insists she can provide no evidence because it didn’t happen.
He also insists he did not threaten her career and had instead said their relationship had been damaged by false claims and they would need to work together after the contest.
It is understood that another MP heard Mr Lamont’s call – while Ms Gallacher said the call was heard by her husband.
Mr Lamont said: ‘These claims are defamatory and false. I am now considering further action including legal options.’
The Mail yesterday contacted Ms Gallacher’s campaign team to ask if she had received the letter from Mr Lamont and if she would be withdrawing her claims but did not receive a response.
After details of Ms Gallacher’s complaint were first reported, Mr Fraser called for an investigation. He said: ‘This is a deeply disturbing report. These claims by my friend and fellow candidate Meghan Gallacher need to be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken. I have contacted Meghan to offer my support at what must be a very difficult time.’
A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: ‘The party has received a complaint and this will be investigated in the usual way.’