Scottish Tory’s alleged grope is unacceptable, says leader

THE Scottish Tories’ interim leader yesterday said one of his party’s MPS would be guilty of “completely unacceptable” behaviour if allegations he had drunkenly groped men in a Westminster bar were true.

Jackson Carlaw, who is standing in for Ruth Davidson while she is on maternity leave, said Ross Thomson’s alleged behaviour “falls well below the standard I think any of us would expect of any elected representative”.

An expected statement by the Aberdeen South MP had failed to emerge by yesterday evening, following lengthy discussions with Tory spin doctors.

Insiders said Mr Thomson was determined to strike a defiant tone and issue a robust defence of his actions, while the party wanted him to use a more contrite form of wording.

Police officers are understood to have questioned Mr Thomson and two young men about a complaint of “sexual touching” outside Strangers Bar on Tuesday evening.

Sources said the 31-year-old MP was reportedly seen drunkenly approaching at least one young man before police were called at around 11pm. No formal complaint was made, and there were no arrests.

As the alleged incident took place on the parliamentary estate, Tory sources said the matter would be dealt with by the whips’ office at Westminster.

They said no one had yet lodged a complaint with the party about the incident. is a member of the Independent

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