Line of Duty star Martin Compston urges Scots to vote for the SNP

Line Of Duty star Martin Compston is at the centre of a Twitter storm today after encouraging Scots to back Nicola Sturgeon in the election. 

The actor urged Scots not to leave the outcome of Thursday’s election to chance, calling on them to back the SNP in the ballot.

But he became embroiled in a spat with Tory MPs and voters who accused the Greenock-born star of ‘hypocrisy’ because he now lives in Las Vegas with his American wife. 

Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser tweeted: ‘Another ‘celeb’ who doesn’t live here telling us how to vote.’

Compston clapped back, sharing a picture of a Tory campaign flyer sent to his home in Greenock, and hitting back at critics who accused him of being a ‘hypocrite’ and telling them how to vote. 

He said he pays ‘top rate tax in Scotland and always has,’ adding: ‘I see Scottish tory twitter and their bots enraged an actor would express an opinion. 

‘Apparently it isn’t valid either as they claim I don’t live here. In that case could you do me, the postman and the environment a favour and stop sending me literature asking for my vote.’

The Scottish actor, who stars as Steve Arnott in the hit BBC drama, made the plea in an online rally, which aired shortly before the Line Of Duty finale.

At the event Compston was joined by other high-profile SNP supporters, including actors Alan Cumming and Brian Cox, crime writer Val McDermid and Mogwai musician Stuart Braithwaite.

With the next Scottish Parliament election taking place in just a few days, the actor told voters: ‘Scotland’s future is in your hands. Don’t leave it to chance.

‘The only way to make sure we re-elect Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister is to make it #BothVotesSNP. Make sure you and all your pals get out to vote.’

With the election taking place during the coronavirus pandemic, Compston said: ‘I think even people who don’t like Nicola Sturgeon, for whatever reason, have had to admit that she has been by far the most competent leader on these islands dealing with this crisis.

‘And she’s the one I think is best placed to take us forward getting out of it.

‘So, I do really think that we are in a situation now where we need the best people, the most competent people, in charge of Scotland. To make sure that we come out of this a better place than we went in.’

Compston, who lives in the US with his American wife, continued: ‘Everyone is allowed an opinion. Whether that be politicians down south or some lovely incredible entertainers who have moved abroad for whatever reason.

‘Myself, I’ve lived across the world. That’s the beauty of free speech. Everyone is allowed an opinion. But what matters is votes.’

SNP MP Mhairi Black, who interviewed the actor for the online event, said that the May 6 election was ‘the most important in Scotland’s history’ as she stressed that ‘every vote will count’.

Ms Black said: ‘Only by casting both votes for the SNP can we guarantee Nicola Sturgeon is re-elected as First Minister to keep Scotland safe through Covid, build a strong, fair and green recovery, and put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands.

‘I want to thank Martin and all of the actors, writers, musicians and cultural figures who have given their support to the SNP at this crucial election.

‘The last year has changed our world. This year we have the opportunity to build a better and fairer future for Scotland by voting SNP.’