Councillor in alleged hate crime probe

POLICE are investigating an alleged homophobic remark made by a councillor during an election campaign.

Labour party veteran Peter Boyes is alleged to have called SNP candidate Paul Bertram a “wee p**f” during the contest for the Midlothian East ward.

Officers from Lothian and Borders Police yesterday confirmed they were investigating the incident.

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A police spokesman said: “We are investigating an alleged hate crime that happened at a polling station during the local council elections on Thursday, May 3.”

However, the councillor said the investigation was “news” to him and denied he had been approached by police.

He added: “If they did come to me, I would be happy to co-operate. I have nothing to hide.”

Mr Bertram, from Mayfield, Midlothian, declined to comment.