Suspended Rowley returns after illness

The former Scottish Labour caretaker leader Alex Rowley returned to the Scottish Parliament yesterday after an absence of a month. Mr Rowley has been suspended as deputy leader while an investigation is carried out into claims he sexually harassed a former girlfriend by sending abusive text messages.

Mr Rowley, who denies the allegations, said he had been off sick with a chest infection for three weeks. But since then had been catching up with constituency work.

He said he was “co-operating fully” with the inquiry and confidant of being cleared.

He added: “So I’ve not really got much more to say at this time – I can’t until that process 0 Former Scottish Labour caretaker leader Alex Rowley has taken its time and is investigated properly.

“The last few weeks – well, I was off ill, and under doctor’s instructions to get better, which I’ve done.

“For three weeks I was off ill with a chest infection, but since then I’ve worked in my constituency office and worked in the constituency.”