THERE are renewed calls for a Linwood councillor to stand down after comparing Government cuts to rape on his social media account. 

Jim Sheridan made the remarks in a post on Facebook, just weeks after being reinstated to the Labour Party following an investigation into alleged anti-Semetic comments, also posted on social media.

Opposition politicians have now called on Mr Sheridan to stand down from his position and for Labour to begin a full investigation. 

READ MORE: Linwood councillor reinstated after anti-Semitism probe

Mr Sheridan wrote: "Deceitful Scottish Finance Secretary.

"Having raped Scottish councils of cash he now cynically suggests councils can raise their own funds and of course suffer the political consequences...?

"Charlatan." 

The former Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP, who lost his seat in 2015, has been accused of using misogynistic language and insulting survivors of rape.

Speaking as the comment came to light, his successor in Westminster, Gavin Newlands, called for Mr Sheridan to be kicked out of the party. 

The Gazette:

The SNP man told The Gazette: "Councillor Jim Sheridan’s latest outburst is quite frankly disgusting and beneath contempt. It is an inexcusable statement from anyone, let alone an elected local representative and former MP.

"Councillor Sheridan’s re-admittance to the Labour Party following his shameful comments about the Jewish community was in my opinion, an outrageous decision. An opinion which is shared with many members in his own Renfrewshire labour council group and many high profile members of the Labour Party across the UK.

"Councillor Sheridan is entitled to his own views on local government finance, but to reference rape in describing a council budget is callous degrading and deeply misogynistic.

"This language is diminishing of the suffering of survivors and victims of gender-based violence and is indefensible.

"If Councillor Jim Sheridan had any decency he would resign as a Councillor but failing this, Jeremy Corbyn and Richard Leonard should show leadership and kick him out of the party for good."

Mr Sheridan defended the comments and said they were simply use to mean the plundering of resources; which is a dictionary definition of the word. 

Mr Sheridan said: "I took it from the Google definition meaning to plunder something of resources, which the SNP is currently doing to budgets across Scotland.

READ MORE: Jim Sheridan urged to stand down over anti-Semitic remarks

"Many councils across the country are at breaking point.

"If anyone wants to talk about anyone resigning, it should be about those who are doing this to councils and communities. 

"I know full well the tragedy of someone being raped." 

The Scottish Labour Party has been contacted for comment.