The leader of Aberdeen city council has hit back at claims that he abused his power by trying to establish a gay network for staff.

Councillor John Stewart sent an email to hundreds of council employees suggesting the idea but has come under attack from opposition parties who say he should be focusing on the council’s financial worries.

Councillor Stewart insists he has done nothing wrong.

He said: “It’s really quite a hysterical reaction. It’s a load of nonsense to be blunt. I simply asked if it would be possible to send an email to all members of staff inviting them to this event if they’re interested.

“That has happened and I’ve had an excellent response, I’m pleased to say and I look forward to meeting staff on Friday.

“The city council is a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions and part of the things that they look for when judging employers is whether you have a staff network for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender staff. At the moment Aberdeen City Council does not have such a network.

“We have joined the Diversity Champions scheme – it is part of out HR service action plan – and to kick-start the process I’ve invited LGBT staff to an informal meeting to see what support there might be for establishing such a network.”