A WAR of words between a local MSP and the leader of Inverclyde Council continued today.

Labour Councillor Stephen McCabe said he would not withdraw a complaint against the SNP’s Stuart McMillan until the MSP apologised to him over remarks about him not attending a meeting at the Scottish Parliament.

Mr McMillan insists councillors were asked to go to a meeting of the Holyrood local government and regeneration committee about troubled local firm Riverside Inverclyde but this is disputed by Mr McCabe.

He said: “Mr McMillan has accused me of lying about who was asked to attend this meeting, and there is no more serious charge that can be levelled against a politician.

“The letter the council received from the Scottish Parliament clearly states that ‘a representative’ should attend the meeting.

“Council chief executive John Mundell confirmed this when he was told verbally there was no requirement for councillors to attend.

“He then wrote a letter on 29 August to the clerk of the committee to say two officials would attend.

“There was plenty of time for an objection to be made by the clerk before the committee met on 11 September, but no objection was received.” The dispute centres over a letter from the convener of the local government and regeneration committee, Kevin Stewart MSP, to various people, stating: “I request that a representative from each of your organisations attend the committee meeting”.

Mr McCabe said: “I spoke to Mr McMillan’s office manager and then emailed him directly with a request that he apologise for his claim, but he didn’t reply.

“My integrity is beyond reproach, and I will not let this matter rest.” Mr McCabe’s complaint is now in the hands of the commissioner for ethical standards in Scotland, which investigates the conduct of MSPs.