Colin Smyth, South Scotland MSP, has been charged with possessing indecent images of children and suspended by Scottish Labour. Police are investigating additional allegations that a camera was placed in a Scottish Parliament toilet, and Smyth faces a further charge related to those claims. The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body deactivated Smyth's parliamentary pass because of the ongoing criminal investigation and informed building users at Holyrood. The parliament's chief executive reminded staff of confidential support services available for anyone distressed by the charges. Smyth is cooperating with inquiries and is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court. He previously held several frontbench roles and served as Scottish Labour's general secretary.
Given the ongoing criminal investigation, the SPCB (Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body) took the decision this evening to deactivate Colin Smyth's parliamentary pass. We have informed all building users at Holyrood.
We recognise the nature of the criminal charges and the ongoing investigation may be upsetting for colleagues and cause distress. We would therefore like to remind everyone who works at Holyrood or in constituency offices of the confidential support services that are available.
Swift action was taken after we became aware of these serious allegations. Colin Smyth MSP is an independent MSP. We cannot comment further on these deeply concerning developments while legal proceedings are ongoing.
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