Former SNP councillor turns back on party and sides with Scottish Conservatives over independence plans

Andrew Wood described the SNP as a “far-left extremist movement.”

A former SNP councillor in the South of Scotland has switched to Scottish Conservatives after showing concern over plans for an independent Scotland.

Andrew Wood quit the Nationalists last year to serve as an independent on Dumfries and Galloway Council.

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He has now decided to join the Scottish tories despite having fought for an independent Scotland for the last 20 years.

Scottish flag hanging next to Union JackScottish flag hanging next to Union Jack
Scottish flag hanging next to Union Jack

In a statement Mr Wood said the SNP has turned into a “far-left extremist movement”, and hoped that his decision to swtich parties would be “a serious wake-up call” to those supporting or considering supporting the SNP.

He said: “The SNP has changed dramatically since the last referendum on independence, with a major influx of disenfranchised Labour supporters, plus Yes campaigners.

"The SNP is no longer a slightly left of centre party but a far-left extremist movement that is buying votes by giving out freebies, passing legislation that gives greater state control while curtailing free speech, misleading a membership in the belief that Scotland can re-join the EU, and regain our fishing rights offering a wealthy and prosperous outcome.”

He added: “With Covid-19, the most simplistic of national UK cooperation on health and wellbeing has proven to be impossible, so where would that leave us on national security, immigration and border controls.

“Agriculture could well lose its largest market within England and those working north and south of the border would have border controls, that is without doubt.”

"Scotland needs a change of government, with labour and Liberals not in a fit state to do anything, leading me believe that the Conservatives can offer a more balanced and reasoned approach to delivering a Scotland that offers business the chance to grow bringing in the finances to support much needed infrastructure development, international trade, fishing rights restored, much needed jobs while supporting those less fortunate within our society.

"Politics, is not about the party, but much more to do with how we can deliver the best outcomes for our people and future generations, this is why I firmly believe the Conservatives are now best placed to secure a more stable and prosperous outcome for all four nations working together within the UK.”