NOW SNP MINISTER QUITS OVER ‘SLEAZE’
Resignation after he accepts behaviour may have been inappropriate
A MINISTER in Nicola Sturgeon’s cabinet resigned last night after confessing his behaviour may have been ‘inappropriate’.
Childcare and Early Years Minister Mark McDonald admitted his actions may have made others ‘uncomfortable’ or led them to question his intentions. His decision to quit represents the first public acknowledgement that the Scottish parliament is also being shaken by the sleaze crisis rocking Westminster. The Aberdeen
Donside MSP is one of two SNP figures who have been under party investigation over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
In a statement last night, 37year-old Mr McDonald said: ‘It has been brought to my attention that some of my previous actions have been considered to be inappropriate – where I have believed myself to have been merely humorous or attempting to be friendly, my behaviour might have made others uncomfortable or led them to question my intentions.
‘My behaviour is entirely my responsibility and I apologise unreservedly to anyone I have upset or who might have found my behaviour inappropriate.
‘In light of my position in government, I believe it would not be appropriate for me to continue to serve in my role in the Scottish Government at this time and I have tendered my resignation as a Minister.
‘I hope that in taking this step neither any particular woman or my family will be the focus of undue and unwarranted scrutiny.’
Mr McDonald is a married father-of-two. His wife, Louise, is also 37. His resignation follows that from Westminster of Scots-born Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon.
Last night the SNP said it would be making no comment on the identity of the second figure being investigated ‘to ensure the privacy of individuals is respected and people can have confidence in the confidentiality of the complaints process’.
The party did confirm that the second complaint does not relate to a parliamentarian.
A Holyrood spokesman said last night: ‘Mark McDonald MSP has left the Scottish Government. The First Minister will appoint a new Minister in due course.’
Meanwhile, it has been claimed at Westminster that Tory Whip Chris Pincher made an unwanted sexual pass at Conservative aide Alex Story, a former Olympic rower.
Mr Story told this newspaper he was invited back to the MP’s flat in 2001 before Mr Pincher emerged from a bedroom in a bathrobe.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Damian Green last night angrily denied claims from former assistant Met Police commissioner Bob Quick that hard-core pornography had been discovered on one of his parliamentary computers in 2008.