CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus in Scotland: Aberdeen accuses Sturgeon of Glasgow bias

Nicola Sturgeon had “punished” Aberdeen for electing a Unionist administration, its council co-leader claimed
Nicola Sturgeon had “punished” Aberdeen for electing a Unionist administration, its council co-leader claimed
JANE BARLOW/PA

The Conservative co-leader of Aberdeen city council has accused Nicola Sturgeon of politically motivated bias for imposing less stringent restrictions on SNP-run Glasgow.

Last month Scotland’s third city was sealed off from the rest of the country, while licensed premises were ordered to close, after the daily incidence rate of Covid-19 rose to 14 cases per 100,000 people.

In Glasgow, where bars and restaurants remain open and restrictions are limited to a ban on indoor household gatherings, the daily incident rate is 22.

Douglas Lumsden accused the first minister of attempting to punish the city for electing a Unionist administration. Stephen Flynn, the SNP MP for Aberdeen South, described his comments as “beneath contempt”.

Mr Lumsden, who is part of the city’s ruling Conservative