A South Lanarkshire councillor who was charged after an alleged incident on a bus has had his suspension lifted by Scottish Labour.
Jackie Burns, whose trial is set for March, will now be able to contest a party selection contest today to become a Labour candidate again.
Burns was elected for Labour in 2012 to represent the Larkhall ward and was, until recently, deputy to council leader Eddie McAvoy.
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However, he has been charged with a breach of the peace after an alleged incident on a bus journey in Lanarkshire.
The case called last week and an official in Hamilton Sheriff Court said a not guilty plea was entered.
Burns was suspended by his party as a result of the charges, a disciplinary move that could have blocked his chances of getting re-selected for next year’s local government election.
The Larkhall vote takes place this evening and suspended candidates are not eligible to stand.
It is understood Burns appealed his suspension and the party readmitted him in the last few days. He is now eligible to be a candidate at the selection and he is also back as deputy council leader.
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Burns’ trial, which will be heard before a sheriff only, is scheduled for March 16th, days before the council election campaign begins.
He used to work in the office of former Labour MP Jimmy Hood as a communications manager and has also been a civil servant.
Scottish Labour declined to comment.
Burns could not be contacted for comment.
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