Investigators checking

The SNP has brought in a firm of private investigators to examine fresh claims against a suspended MSP, according to reports.

A third complaint has been made about former Children’s Minister Mark Mcdonald by a woman who alleges that she woke up in his hotel bed with no recollection of how she got there.

There is no suggestion of any criminal activity. Mr Mcdonald, 37, resigned from his ministerial post in November after admitting to “inappropriate” behaviour, and was suspended from the SNP two weeks later after “new information” came to light.

Thetwopreviouscomplaints are understood to relate to lewd texts sent to women. The Sunday Post reported that a former police officer is involved in examining the latest claim.

Mr Mcdonald has not been seen at the Scottish Parliament since his suspension, and has not taken part in any votes. An SNP spokesman said: “An investigation is ongoing.”

Concerns have been raised by the SNP that parliamentary staff may be put off making complaints against MSPS