SNP MSP quit as a minister over his remark to a woman
AN SNP minister is believed to have quit after an investigation into a remark he made to a woman.
Mark McDonald resigned as childcare and early years minister at the weekend – with no explanation other than that he may have made others feel ‘uncomfortable’.
The SNP has closed ranks around the father of two and is refusing to reveal why he quit.
However, party sources have suggested the comments could have been taken out of context.
Mr McDonald remained in hiding yesterday, with no answer at his home address in Aberdeen. His Aberdeen Donside constituency office remained closed.
It comes as Scottish Labour refused to confirm whether or not it would investigate claims MSP Monica Lennon was ‘groped’ by a senior party official. Miss Lennon made the allegations in a Sunday newspaper, revealing she had been sexually assaulted by a ‘powerful, influential and well respected’ figure in the party.
Mr McDonald quit on Saturday following an internal SNP investigation into ‘inappropriate behaviour’. The politician, married to wife Louise, has refused to reveal why he resigned – but is set to remain an MSP, despite Campaigners for women’s rights having urged him to stand down.
The SNP has revealed the investigation into Mr McDonald has been completed and no further action is to be taken.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said Mr McDonald had made an ‘unreserved apology’ and the case was ‘now closed’.
He added that the party would show ‘zero tolerance’ for any form of sexual harassment or bullying.
The party is investigating a second complaint, with the identity of the accused yet to be revealed. But it is understood this does not relate to a parliamentarian.
Yesterday, former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale urged Holyrood’s all-male management group to resign in favour of a gender-balanced group.
Miss Dugdale said parliament ‘simply cannot take a lead’ on equality issues with only men on the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body (SPCB).
Her call was echoed by Scottish Government business manager Joe Fitzpatrick, who suggested the SPCB could be changed to ‘broaden its membership’.
The group has a regular question session scheduled at Holyrood on Thursday – and all nine of the questions tabled are on the topic of sexual harassment.
Despite the calls for change, the Scottish parliament appeared to shoot down the suggestion.
A spokesman said: ‘The Presiding Officer, with the full support of the SPCB and Bureau, raised concerns about this issue previously and secured changes to our standing orders to prevent such a situation in future.
‘Party leaders nominate members to the Bureau and the appointment of SPCB members is a matter for the parliament as a whole.’