One of Holyrood’s most controversial MSPs is set to return to the Scottish Parliament after a rival candidate was blocked from standing in the North-east
Maggie Chapman is now expected to top the Scottish Greens’ North East list after Guy Ingerson — who had been selected by members as lead candidate — was ruled ineligible due to an ongoing internal investigation.
In a statement, Ingerson said it was with “great sadness” he could not stand, citing what he described as “a two-year long campaign of bullying, lies, rumour and smears designed to stop my candidacy”.
He added: “It is clear to me the system has been abused. I know many members in our region may be angry and disappointed at being disenfranchised in this way. Our internal democracy has been undermined.
“As the first person in our party’s history to beat an incumbent MSP in a selection contest, I feel the same way. The party has let you and I down.”
Chapman, a former co-leader, has attracted controversy over a series of outspoken positions, including her support for gender self-ID and criticism of the Supreme Court, which she said was motivated by “bigotry, prejudice and hatred”.
A party spokesman said: “Guy Ingerson is suspended from the Scottish Greens following unresolved complaints. Following completion of the party’s vetting process, he will not be nominated as a candidate for the Scottish Greens for the upcoming Holyrood election. We reject his characterisation of our processes and party officers.
“The lead candidate for the North East will be Maggie Chapman with a top-up selection meeting taking place with members to determine the final list.”