Councillor who was victim in colleague’s hate campaign set to step down in May and says he “won’t miss” some elected members

A Conservative councillor who was a victim in a colleague’s hate campaign has revealed he plans to step down in May.

Alistair Mackay, who represents Johnstone South and Elderslie, hit out at his fellow elected members for not dealing with the controversial “rantings” of Paul Mack sooner as he confirmed he would not be standing for election next year during the final meeting of the year.

Mr Mack had been a councillor for decades before being banned earlier this year for his behaviour which included sending a series of alarming emails to or about Mr Mackay, Labour group leader Eddie Devine and his daughter Karen Devine-Kennedy.

A by-election was called to replace him but this was subsequently cancelled after the council discovered Mr Mack was appealing his disqualification in the Court of Session despite already having had an appeal to the Standards Commission thrown out.

The saga was by no means the first time Mr Mack had been called out for his conduct having already served similar bans in 2016 and 2017.

During a debate about the cost of the by-election, which has so far come to at least £16,000, Jim Sharkey applauded his party colleague Councillor Devine for standing up to Mr Mack and “doing the whole of Renfrewshire a favour”.

But Mr Mackay said more should have been done about the independent councillor’s demeanour a long time ago.

He told the chamber: “It’s nice to hear some support for the victim of Paul Mack and it’s perhaps the first time I’ve ever heard any council member stand up and offer some support to Councillor Devine.

“We probably wouldn’t be in this position had control been exercised over the rantings of Paul Mack over the years. I’m afraid it’s just a reflection on the sad behaviour of some members of the council chamber at meetings.

“I have to say I won’t miss some of you when I finish in May.”

Councillor Devine, who was given a panic alarm by police at the height of the campaign, also slammed some of his colleagues for humouring Mr Mack.

He added: “My family has had to call in the police and the wardens and have cameras fitted around their houses.

“Is there anywhere else he can go after this? Because if there’s another place to go he’ll go there. If this goes on and on, what will this mean at the next election?

“This person will not give up and it’s a stain on this council that people thought it was funny when he made his jokes. He’s not a funny character.”

The council is still waiting on another invoice from Royal Mail for the return of postal votes for the by-election which elected members have suggested could increase costs “significantly”.

An update on the final costs will be given to elected members as soon as it becomes clear.

Councillor Sharkey added: “I want to pay tribute to Councillor Devine’s family who have undergone quite nasty experiences at the hands of Councillor Mack.

“Hopefully, this is the final nail in the coffin of Councillor Mack’s political career. Good riddance.”.

Attempts have been made to contact Mr Mack.