New claims over suspended SNP MSP

0 Mark Mcdonald: SNP says an investigation is ongoing if they are employed in their offices.

In a submission to the Holyrood inquiry on sexual harass- ment, SNP compliance officer Ian Mccann suggested staff should be centrally employed.

On behalf of the party, he wrote: “If staff were employed centrally, either by a parliamentary group, or the Corporate Body, and allocated to an MSP, then anyone in a situation involving sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct could move to another role, with another MSP, rather than have to continue working with an alleged harasser, or else having to leave their position.”

Meanwhile, the Edinburgh East MP Tommy Sheppard has been tipped as the front-runner to become the next SNP deputy leader after a number of potential rivals signalled they would support him.

Philippa Whitford MP, who is considering standing, told the Sunday Herald she would be “happy” with Mr Sheppard as party deputy, and it was reported that fellow MP Joanna Cherry would stand aside if he runs.

James Dornan, MSP, the only declared candidate so far, told Scotland on Sunday that the SNP should prepare for an early independence referendum by 2020.

Nominations have yet to open in the election triggered when Angus Robertson stood down.