SNP selection candidate wins appeal after 'stitch up'
Speaking to The National on Monday, Giugliano (below) said: 'I'm delighted that the SNP's Conduct Appeals Committee unanimously upheld my appeal and dismissed the complaint that led to my removal from the Falkirk West selection ballot, days before the poll closed.
(Image: Toni Giugliano)
'I should never have been suspended and removed from the ballot. The committee's report is clear that I was denied a fair hearing. Indeed, I should have been cleared.'
He claimed the result was a 'full vindication for the members who voted for me and stood by me', adding: 'I will now consult both with my supporters in Falkirk and the party, about what comes next.
'But make no mistake – our membership is the foundation of the SNP and they must never again be sidelined and disenfranchised. I'm pleased that due process has finally prevailed.'
READ MORE: Tony Blair's staff took part in 'Gaza Riviera' project, reports say
A complaint of bullying was made against Giugliano just days before the local party voted to choose its candidate for next year's election.
He was running against three others and councillor Gary Bouse emerged victorious.
But the complaint was dismissed by Giugliano's supporters as a conspiracy to block him from running, with one member telling The Herald in May: 'Toni has been stitched up and the voices of local members totally disregarded.'
(Image: Supplied)
A statement to SNP national secretary Alex Kerr (above, right) from the Falkirk South branch said: 'The SNP is founded on the principles of democracy and the active participation of its members.
'We are therefore dismayed that Toni Giugliano – a vetted candidate – was removed from the ballot just days before the declaration of results, in a decision that is entirely politically motivated and lacking in transparency."
The SNP were approached for comment.
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