SNP’S Westminster leader withdraws his support for MP in sexual misconduct case

THE SNP’S Westminster leader has abandoned his support for an MP found guilty of sexual misconduct and urged him to consider his position only hours after Nicola Sturgeon was savaged over the party’s stance.

Ian Blackford, who was recorded last week urging SNP MPS to rally round Patrick Grady, said the Glasgow North MP should now “reflect on his behaviour and where he goes from here”.

He also told STV News that Mr Grady’s future was “a question for his constituency party”, implying he may not be reselected as a candidate for the next general election.

His about-turn followed multiple calls that Mr Blackford resign for offering more support to Mr Grady than his victim, who was only 19 when the MP made an unwanted advance under the influence of alcohol in 2016.

The withdrawal of support for Mr Grady also came only hours after Ms Sturgeon came under fire at First Minister’s Questions over her record of dealing with sexual harassment complaints against senior SNP figures.

She said Mr Blackford retained her support but admitted the leaked recording of him rallying support for Mr Grady was “unacceptable” and offered to meet the victim.

Ms Sturgeon said her conduct in the Alex Salmond case demonstrated tshe would not sweep such allegations “under the carpet”. But Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, questioned how this tallied with Mr Grady twice being nominated as an SNP election candidate after his victim complained to the party.

Mr Grady was also promoted to chief whip and led for the party in a Commons debate on harassment. He only stood down as chief whip after his victim last year lodged a complaint with the Commons authorities, frustrated at the party’s inaction.