CALLS have been made for a councillor to stand down after admitting assaulting an Inverclyde Council traffic warden.

Senior local Labour figure, Martin McCluskey, has raised questions over the future of the SNP's Innes Nelson after it was revealed the ward six representative paid the parking attendant £200 compensation as an alternative to court - despite initially telling the Tele the 'charge was dropped'.

The information came to light through the traffic warden involved, who wanted 'clarity' over the outcome of the case.

In an open letter sent to SNP chief executive, Peter Murrell, Mr McCluskey has called on him to 'expel' Councillor Nelson from the party and launch a full investigation.

Labour's general election candidate for Inverclyde has also accused Mr Nelson of breaching the code of conduct for elected members, which states that councillors 'must respect' all council employees and 'treat them with courtesy at all times'.

In his letter Mr McCluskey said: "It is my view that if a councillor assaults a council employee, he is no longer fit to hold that office.

"It will be for Mr Nelson and his own conscience to come to a decision about whether he continues as a councillor, but as chief executive of the SNP you have a duty to ensure that high standards are maintained in your own party. "I ask that you take that duty seriously, and take action."

The Tele contacted SNP HQ for a comment but received no response.

Mr Nelson was charged with assaulting the council traffic warden by police in October 2017.

Twelve months later both he and Inverclyde Council SNP group leader, Chris McEleny, said the 'charge was dropped'.

At the time, Cllr McEleny was asked if his party colleague had been fined but reiterated his initial statement.

Mr Nelson, a former SNP group leader who was elected in 2009, resigned from the party while the case against him was ongoing but has since rejoined.

Mr McEleny said he was 'pleased to welcome him back' into the fold.

Labour candidate Mr McCluskey said: "It is only because the council employee involved spoke out that we now know the truth.

"In saying that the charges had been 'dropped', both Mr Nelson and Mr McEleny gave the impression that Mr Nelson was innocent and an assault on a council employee had not taken place. "This was a clear attempt to mislead the public.

"It is totally unacceptable that anyone should face verbal or physical harm just for doing their job. "No council employee should have to go to work fearing assault from any member of the public. "It beggars belief that when a councillor has assaulted a council employee he is welcomed back into the SNP with open arms."