A LABOUR minister has been panned for “vile and deeply ignorant” comments about Glasgow schools.
Scottish Labour MP Blair McDougall – who also represents the wealthy East Renfrewshire constituency – urged his constituents in a post on social media to sign a petition named: “Hands off East Ren".
It hits out at the Scottish Government ’s proposed public sector reform, which could see the local authority merge with Glasgow.
In the post, the Labour minister for reindustrialisation and former Better Together chief then said: “One of the things that makes East Ren so special is that we have the highest performing schools in Scotland, confirmed again and again in glowing inspector's reports.”
McDougall then added: “The SNP 's proposal to abolish East Ren would see control of our schools transferred to failing Glasgow City Council . “Protect our kid’s [SIC] education from becoming part of the crisis next door.”
Glasgow councillor Mhairi Hunter, however, hit out at the comments.
“This is vile and deeply ignorant. Glasgow has outstanding teachers and I can prove it,” she said.
The SNP politician went on to highlight that Glasgow has higher rates of child poverty than East Renfrewshire.
Despite this, she added that Glasgow has narrowed the attainment gap, narrowed the positive destination gap and the employment rate gap with the Scottish average.
This is vile and deeply ignorant. Glasgow has outstanding teachers and I can prove it. pic.twitter.com/41ATIyKm1i
— Mhairi Hunter 🏴 🇺🇦 🇵🇸 (@MhairiHunter) September 27, 2026
“None of this is accidental, it's down to exceptional work by many people. A lot of our children face challenges most children in East Renfrewshire couldn't even imagine. It takes exceptional teachers to help children overcome those challenges. Glasgow has them in abundance,” Hunter said.
“If Blair McDougall is worried that local government might mean his constituents are more exposed to poor people just say that.”
A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council, meanwhile, said: “Glasgow’s teachers and school staff are dedicated to helping children and young people achieve their full potential.
“Attainment and achievement are at an all time high, while positive school leaver destination figures show more young people than ever progressing into further and higher education, training or employment.”
She added: “The city has also continued to narrow the attainment gap, helping ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed.
“Combined with the excellent inspection reports achieved by our schools and nurseries in recent years – it’s no wonder that more families are choosing their local schools.”
