'Conservative Future' Harks Back To The Days Of The British Empire & Slaves

ONE of Scotland's top young Tories poses as a slave master at a fancy dress party, pulling a colleague behind him in handcuffs.

And with a camera on him, David Harris dishes out a sick mock beating to his "slave".

Harris, 21, is the Scottish secretary of the Tory party's youth organisation, Conservative Future.

Until yesterday, his "slave", Jamie Johnston, 20, was secretary of Glasgow University Conservatives.

But he promised to quit his post after learning that the Daily Record was about to expose the revolting stunt.
David Harris

Harris tried to blame his pal for their shocking choice of costumes, saying: "It was actually one of Mr Johnston's ideas."
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And, incredibly, a spokesman for the Tory party in Scotland played down the incident, saying: "Students dress up for a fancy dress party - it's hardly the shock of the century."

Tory leader David Cameron and Scots party chief Annabel Goldie, who have both been photographed with Harris and Johnston, are very unlikely to agree with that assessment.

Johnston posted the photos from the party on his home page on friendship website Facebook.

They show Harris dressed in a pith helmet, khaki shirt and shorts and clutching a swagger stick.

Johnston trails behind him dressed as a field slave. His wrists are shackled and his shirt stained with fake blood.

Harris smirks and hams it up for the camera as he pretends to punish his "slave". Johnston cowers and puts his hands in front of his face.

The Tories have bragged repeatedly about the revival of their youth wing's fortunes since the Young Conservatives were rebranded as Conservative Future.

The antics of Harris and Johnston will be desperately embarrassing for party bosses.

But Harris was hardly apologetic when the Record confronted him. He said: "We never meant any offence and you have to understand it was actually one of Mr Johnston's ideas.

"It was a private party. Can I ask what's going to happen?

"I can't offer any comment at the moment, I'm afraid."

Johnston was more forthcoming. He contacted the Record after learning that we had the pictures and said: "I'd like to apologise for any offence that will be caused.

"The party was of a lighthearted nature and it was not our intention to offend. I do not condone racism and I understand why these pictures could be seen as offensive.

"My friends have always held me in the highest regard and race has never been an issue in any of my relationships with them.

"These photos were an outside issue. I do understand how it could become a party issue but the point must be raised that we were acting as individuals. We realise in hindsight it was certainly not appropriate."

Johnston confirmed that he would be resigning as secretary of the university Conservatives. He said: "I trust the group will accept my resignation in the correct manner."

The director of the Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance, Jatin Haria, condemned Johnston and Harris's stunt.

He said: "While appreciating that this was a social event, the slave trade is no laughing matter.

"To trivialise it shows either appalling ignorance or total disregard for the suffering caused by slavery. We call on leaders of all political parties to condemn such behaviour.

"In Scotland, it is important that we recognise our own distinct role in the slave trade.

For example, by the beginning of the 19th century, Scots owned almost a third of the slaves in Jamaica.

"We have called for an unreserved apology for Scotland's involvement in the slave trade and its continuing effects, both at home and abroad."