The chief of the SNP in Westminster has been accused of utilizing ‘bullyboy tactics’ on an viewers member throughout a BBC debate after accusing a younger man of being a Tory activist.

Stephen Flynn turned embroiled in a heated alternate with fellow panel members and within the crowd throughout an episode of the political present Debate Night in Scotland.

A younger man named John White put it to the MP that he and his social gathering had been at all times saying “everything’s Westminster’s fault” when he mentioned the SNP are in cost of a giant a part of Scottish governance.

Appearing riled by the accusation, and as an alternative of answering the query, Mr Flynn, 34, proceeded to out Mr White as somebody he claimed to recognise as a supporter of a unique political social gathering.

His intervention sparked viewers murmurings and an outraged response from fellow panel member Scottish Lib Dem chief Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, who later described the incident as ‘bullyboy tactics’.

Beginning his query within the studio, Mr White mentioned: “It was just to come back to what Stephen said…every time you answer a question you go back to, everything’s Westminster’s fault.”

As viewers members round Mr White broke into applause, he continued: “It’s the SNP that’s in charge of Scottish education, it’s the SNP that’s in charge of Scottish justice, it’s the SNP that’s in charge of the NHS in Scotland.”

Shaking his head Mr White look plaintively at Mr Flynn for a response because the gallery once more erupted in supportive clapping.

Instead of taking over the purpose made, Mr Flynn took the bizarre tack of claiming, “I think I recognise you,” earlier than accusing the “young man” of being a “prominent Conservative activist”.

He added: “Notwithstanding that, when it comes to…”. At this level host Stephen Jardine requested Mr White if he was an activist however the query and Mr Flynn’s response was met with jeers from the viewers.

Mr White identified: “I’ve still got an opinion, and I still get to vote, and it’s voters that keep you in your job.”

Holding his hand up Mr Flynn appeared to take this level on board, saying “absolutely”, earlier than saying: “I wouldn’t low cost that in any respect."

Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, the Lib Dem leader in Scotland, leapt the Mr White’s defence later describing Mr Flynn singling out his political affiliations on social media site X as “bullyboy tactics”.

During the debate on the BBC present, he mentioned: “I think it’s pretty outrageous that Stephen Flynn just identified an activist from another party.”

Mr Flynn barked again that he “wore his badge”, however Mr Cole-Hamilton added that Mr Flynn knew “fine well” that “legions of online nationalist shock troops will now troll this young man for his interest in politics.”