Best young councillor faces volley of gay hate

Politician speaks out about attacks and why he's on a mission for more diversity in politics

- SALLY HIND

ONE of Scotland's youngest councillors has revealed his shocking experience of homophobia as he calls for more action on hate.

Connor McManus - named Young Councillor of the Year in 2022-went into local government at age 22 with a mission to help make the country more inclusive.

But the 24-year-old, who represents Penicuik, Midlothian, has been called a "paedo" online and suffered abuse in the street.

The SNP councillor said: "I can see why some LGBT+ people still might not want to go into politics.

"I have heard and seen it all before from outright bigotry online to snidey comments when you are on someone's doorstep.