The leader of the Conservative group on Renfrewshire Council has criticised “unnecessary” language used during political debates.

Councillor Neill Graham raised concerns about some of the comments directed at his party at full council meetings as he reflected on challenges experienced in the last year.

He said he and his colleagues have tried to be “respectful” of all councillors but suggested they were not afforded the same treatment.

“It is a very highly-charged political meeting and I think a lot of it is unnecessary, especially the language that gets used,” added Councillor Graham.

“We’ve been called murderers and all sorts and told that we should all be ashamed.

“That kind of language isn’t constructive and, to be honest, people in Renfrewshire don’t want that from their local councillors.

“We will always try our best to be respectful of all councillors. We just wish that other members would do the same.”

In the summer, Councillor Graham’s group wrote a letter to Provost Lorraine Cameron which complained about remarks made at a June meeting, including some from SNP councillor Will Mylet, who accused his opponents of “wanting to kill people” during a debate on independence.

Councillor Mylet was told to watch his language by Provost Cameron after claiming Labour and Conservative governments were “more than happy” to plough cash into nuclear weapons and have “the ability to commit genocide.”

He also took aim at austerity, saying: “This amounts to no more than the murder of the people that you’re here to look after.”

Councillor Alec Leishman, the Conservative group’s depute leader, said in the letter that the words were “utterly unacceptable” and felt the reprimand issued was “delivered in the softest possible terms.”

However, Provost Cameron said at the time: “I have repeatedly informed members during my time as provost that they are responsible for their own words and actions and, if they conduct themselves in a manner contrary to the code of conduct, they may find themselves the subject of a report to the Standards Commission.”

Looking ahead to 2023, Councillor Graham said his group hope to be at the “forefront” on local issues.

He added: “We really believe that we need to be seen. Our best time is spent out on our ward at community councils, public meetings, doing things like litter picking and speaking to people.”