Scottish Catholic Observer

Scottish Labour have suspended a council by-election candidate days before the ballot for allegedly sharing anti-Catholic posts on social media.

It is understood Scottish Labour Party officials made the decision after being shown a number of screen-grabs by a concerned constituent allegedly showing sectarian posts shared from a Facebook account in Andy Bell’s name.

Mr Bell, who is standing in the Denny and Banknock by-election for Falkirk Council tomorrow, was he told last night that he no longer had the support of the party. Scottish Labour has now launched an investigation. Mr Bell will still appear on ballot papers because it is too late for the party to name a replacement

“Andy Bell has been suspended by the Labour Party pending an investigation,” a Scottish Labour spokesperson said. “Although it is too late for Mr Bell to be removed from the ballot, the party has withdrawn any support for him as a by-election candidate. “

Thursday’s by-election was called following the resignation of John McNally from Falkirk Council after his election as an MP in May.

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