SNP MP accused of hypocrisy over council house sales

A Nationalist MP has been accused of “hypocrisy” after it emerged that she has amassed a property empire of former council homes.

Dr Lisa Cameron was accused of buying up the former local authority houses at bargain prices then renting them out at higher rents than those charged by the council, despite campaigning against selling off social housing.

The East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow MP has seven properties worth around £630,000. However, she argued during the general election last May that housing association properties should not be sold off because “we need to make sure we have affordable homes for people within our communities”.

Tory housing spokesman Alex Johnstone said: “This is yet more incredible hypocrisy from an SNP MP.

“No doubt those who heard her views on council houses at the hustings will feel completely deceived.”

Dr Cameron insisted that she did not buy the properties through “right to buy” from the local council.

She added: “I treat my tenants with the utmost respect. People are happy with my flats. I charge a market rate for my properties.”

A spokesman for the SNP added: “Dr Cameron has declared her interests in line with the rules.”