Ochil candidate Tasmina faces legal work probe
A Clackmannanshire politician is facing a legal watchdog probe.
The SNP has faced calls to suspend Ochil and South Perthshire candidate Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh.
Ms Ahmed-Shiekh, who is standing for re-election to the seat she won two years ago, confirmed last week that she is being investigated by the Law Society in relation to administrative matters while previously working as a solicitor.
“I’m proud of my 17year career in the legal profession,” she said.
“I am aware that issues have been raised with the Law Society in relation to administrative matters during my time at my former firm.
“The Law Society has a duty to uphold professional standards and they must be allowed to do so without prejudice.
“In the meantime I’m getting on with fighting this election campaign and seeking re-election to stand up for the people of Ochil and South Perthshire.”
No details have been released of the Law Society probe.
But Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: “It’s quite clear that the SNP should withdraw all support from Ms Ahmed-Sheikh in this election.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave her backing to Ms Ahmed-Sheikh. She said: “Just because a complaint is raised and an investigation is under way does not mean there has been wrongdoing on the part of the lawyer concerned.
“It’s important that these matters are fully and robustly investigated.
“That’s part of the role of the Law Society so they should be allowed to get on with that investigation and come to a conclusion.”
Ms Ahmed-Sheikh won the seat with a majority of 10,168 in 2015.
The other candidates are Luke Graham of the Conservatives, Labour’s Joanne Ross and Iliyan Stefanov of the Liberal Democrats.