A PROMINENT SNP member in the Borders has been criticised for comparing the Conservatives to the "mafia".

In the recent Leaderdale and Melrose by-election for Scottish Borders Council, John PatonDay, of the SNP, was defeated by Scottish Conservative representative Jenny Linehan.

Following the result, Mr PatonDay was quoted in the Southern Reporter as saying: “I’m gutted. I’m just amazed that people can possibly vote for Tories – it’s like voting for the mafia.”

On the comment, Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton said: “I am shocked at the SNP’s John PatonDay and his comments about the newly elected councillor Jenny Linehan on her victory last week.

READ MORE: Results breakdown: How people voted in the Leaderdale & Melrose by-election

“Comments such as these are entirely unacceptable and are extremely off-putting for new candidates who are thinking of standing for office.

“Politics can get heated at times, but to compare councillor Linehan and the Scottish Conservatives to the mafia is provocative and inflammatory.”

Mrs Hamilton, the Holyrood representative for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, added: “In these difficult times, I believe Mr PatonDay should have shown more courtesy and respect in his defeat.

“Yet again, the nasty tactics of the SNP are for all to see, and Mr PatonDay should immediately apologise to councillor Linehan.”

Ms Linehan was announced as the winner on Friday (March 12) at the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels.

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Ms Linehan said: “I was disappointed at John PatonDay’s comments and it is not in the spirit of what was a fair and honest process.

“I look forward to working hard as the local councillor for the ward that I have been elected to represent.”

The Leaderdale and Melrose by-election was arranged following the death of SNP councillor Kevin Drum in March 2020.