PETE WISHART IN TWEET BLUNDER

A NATIONALIST MP has suggested the press probe into Michelle Thomson’s property deals is driven by a hatred of women.

Pete Wishart, chairman of the Scottish Affairs Committee, claimed the coverage was ‘beyond bullying’ and ‘approaching misogyny’. But his attempt to link the scandal to gender raised disbelief on Twitter, especially from female users.

Mr Wishart took to Twitter on Saturday to stick up for his former party colleague, who stood down as SNP business spokesman and withdrew from the party whip last week.

He tweeted: ‘Some of the stuff about Michelle is now beyond bullying and approaching misogyny. Never seen anything like it in the Scottish press.’

Former Labour MP Margaret Curran replied: ‘Are you having a laugh?’

Business expert Allie Renison said: ‘This is an SNP, not gender, thing. Feel quite sure this would have been the same scrutiny level were it a man.’

An SNP spokesman said: ‘Pete Wishart is entitled to his opinions, as are the press.’