RESIDENTS of Angus have launched an online petition to try to force Tory councillor Derek Wann to step down after he finally admitted to being behind a Unionist troll account.
The anonymous Twitter account, which opposition politicians say sent out “misogynistic and transphobic” messages, was named after the Lady Whistledown character in Netflix series Bridgerton.
Although Wann initially denied any involvement, the troll account was deleted around one hour after The National told the councillor that the final two digits of the phone number attached to it matched his own.
The revelations led Wann to openly admit to being the anti-SNP troll for the first time.
READ MORE: Douglas Ross urged to kick out Tory councillor behind troll Twitter account
He said: “I apologise sincerely for how I have handled this matter. My actions were unacceptable. I have now provided the [Conservative] party with the relevant facts so they can conduct an investigation.”
A Scottish Conservative spokesperson said an investigation was launched “immediately” after the new information came to light.
While the party has yet to take any action, The Courier has reported that locals are calling for the elected council member to “do the decent thing” and resign.
The petition, started by the Flatpack Democracy Angus group, says Wann “has made disparaging remarks about female politicians, tragic circumstances and local towns in Angus”.
It goes on: “This online bully has represented Children and Learning and through his unwholly behaviour and gross misconduct has single handedly made a mockery of the good work done by others! His coat is rightfully on a shoogly peg for bringing Angus Council into disrepute.”
This is a reference to the fact that Wann is the convenor of the council’s Children and Learning committee. Despite running an anonymous troll account, the Tory also campaigned against online bullying and was linked to the “Angus, think before you type” initiative.
The petition ends: “Do the decent thing Cllr Wann, resign and leave decent people to hold public office genuinely working for the people of Angus with integrity, fairness, equality and kindness.”
Reports in The Courier say that Wann’s unmasking has thrown the administration of Angus Council into doubt, given the single-seat majority the coalition of Tories, Independents and a single LibDem currently has.
David Fairweather, an Independent and currently council leader, is reportedly a close ally of Wann and was following the Lady Whistledown account on Twitter.
Fairweather would not tell the Courier whether he intends to ask Wann to resign from the ruling administration or if he knew the Tory had been behind the troll account.
READ MORE: Michael Gove's claims about Scots removed from TikTok for 'hate speech'
Jill Scott, the chair of Brechin Community Council who personally received abusive messages from Wann’s troll account, said the news calls both Wann and Fairweather’s judgment into doubt.
She said: “For every moment that he tries to stay, both Derek Wann and David Fairweather’s judgment are in doubt. Any credibility that Derek Wann had is now gone and David’s is on the line if he makes any decision other than to remove him from the administration.
“In my opinion, the real Derek Wann was the content shared on Lady Whistledown – it is his public profiles and image that are fake.
“The tweets on this profile were callous and showed no concern for anyone’s mental well-being including myself.
“The people of Brechin have every right to be concerned at the prejudice from a senior councillor, who sits in cabinet with influence, making decisions that shape Angus.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel