Scottish Labour leader harassed by ‘racist bully’ outside Scottish parliament

Anas Sarwar praised for ‘handling himself brilliantly’ during wild tirade from ex-Brexit Party candidate

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar (PA)

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar was subjected to “horrendous” abuse by a former Brexit Party candidate outside the Scottish parliament.

David Ballantine, who has reportedly described Islam as a “child rapist death cult”, targeted the party leader as he attempted to give an interview – accusing him of being part of a “globalist, Islamo-Marxist party”.

The former Brexit Party candidate followed Mr Sarwar and made a series of derogatory remarks about Islam, as well as unsubstantiated allegations of child abuse by asylum seekers.

The Scottish Labour leader told Mr Ballantine that his questions “say more about you sir than me”, before telling him to “take his far-right nonsense elsewhere”.

Mr Sarwar was praised for “keeping his cool” as he was then followed for several minutes by Mr Ballantine, branded a “racist bully” by the ITV News reporter Peter Smith.

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The journalist was praised for intervening and attempting to interrupt the wild tirade, telling Mr Ballantine: “I know a racist when I see one.”

Commenting on the incident on social media, Mr Smith said: “This was racist abuse from a bully, and I’m just sorry I couldn’t do more.”

The Scottish Tory leader at Holyrood Ruth Davidson was among several MSPs and political candidates who issued their support to Mr Sarwar. “Solidarity with Anas Sarwar who handled himself brilliantly, and respect to Peter Adam Smith for stepping up.”

Neil Gray, an SNP MP, tweeted: “This is horrendous. So sorry Anas Sarwar is getting this abuse and well done to Peter Adam Smith for stepping in to provide support.”

Mr Sarwar later thanked the ITV News journalist for his intervention. “I can’t thank Peter Adam Smith enough for his kindness and support. He didn’t have to get involved, but chose not to be a bystander.”

Mr Ballantine stood for the Brexit Party in Edinburgh South West constituency at the 2019 general election, gaining only 625 votes.

During the election campaign, the Daily Record reported that the candidate had referred to Islam as a “child rapist death cult” in one of his videos – remarks condemned at the time by the Muslim Council Scotland, who accused him of “sowing division and hatred”.

Twitter removed Mr Ballantine’s video of his verbal attack on Mr Sarwar after Mr Smith drew it to the attention of the platform on Tuesday. However, his videos remain on YouTube.