Ex-Labour MP suspended over antisemitism remarks embroiled in new row
Jim Sheridan, who was disciplined by the party for 'shameful' comments about the Jewish community causes offence with a remark about rape
A former Labour MP reinstated to the party last month following his suspension over comments about the Jewish community is at the centre of a new row over remarks he made online.
Jim Sheridan, a former Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP who is now a councillor in Renfrewshire, accused Finance Secretary Derek Mackay of “having raped Scottish councils of cash” in a social media post about the Scottish Budget.
Labour suspended Mr Sheridan following a complaint in August last year reported to relate to a social media post in which he spoke about his loss of “respect and empathy” for the community amid the anti-Semitism row.
He was reinstated in January after an investigation and issued a statement reiterating his apology to the Jewish community while calling his accusers “misguided”.
Campaigner Clare Lally-Steel highlighted his comments referencing rape on Twitter, saying his language was “appalling” and that he was “very wrong to use a serious sexual assault term”.
In a post titled “Deceitful (sic) Scottish Finance Minister”, Mr Sheridan wrote: “Having raped Scottish councils of cash he now cynically suggests councils can raise their own funds. And of course suffer the political consequences? Charlatan.”
Ms Lally-Steel posted on Twitter: “Here in full glory and right back to his work, Labour Councillor Sheridan… this about a @scotgov minister is appalling!”
She added: “He is wrong very wrong to use a serious sexual assault term.”
Mr Sheridan said no-one had contacted him to raise concerns about his comments.
He told the Press Association: “If you Google the definition of rape you will see what it means.
“If you Google the word rape it will explain my reason for using it.”
Questioned about the criticism of his comment, he added: “I’m not really concerned what they are concerned of.”
He said if anyone has a problem with his comments, he expects them to raise the matter with him.
SNP MP Gavin Newlands said: “Jim Sheridan’s latest outburst is quite frankly disgusting and beneath contempt. It is an inexcusable statement from anyone, let alone an elected local representative and former MP.
“Mr Sheridan’s re admittance to the Labour Party following his shameful comments about the Jewish community was in my opinion, an outrageous decision. An opinion which is shared with many members in his own Renfrewshire labour council group and many high profile members of the Labour Party across the UK.
“If councillor Jim Sheridan had any decency he would resign as a councillor but failing this, Jeremy Corbyn and Richard Leonard should show leadership and kick him out of the party for good.”
A Scottish Labour spokesman said: “Jim Sheridan has rightly deleted the post and apologised for the offensive language he used to describe the SNP’s cuts to local councils.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
