How stepping down was only the start

OCT 31 – SNP reveals party is investigating two complaints relating to ‘inappropriate behaviour’ amid sexual harassment scandal.

NOV 4 – Mark McDonald resigns as Childcare and Early Years minister revealing one of the complaints is against him. He admits his past actions may have made others ‘uncomfortable’ or could have led them to question his intentions.

NOV 6 – Women’s equality groups call for Mr McDonald to resign as an MSP following allegations about his behaviour.

NOV 7 – It is revealed that the investigation into Mr McDonald was launched following a complaint regarding remarks he made to a woman. It is later made public that the incident surrounded a lewd text message.

NOV 8 – Nicola Sturgeon jumps to Mr McDonald’s defence insisting he is a ‘good MSP’ and raised doubts about whether she thought he should have quit his ministerial role for behaviour which ‘some others may well have thought was not serious enough to resign’.

NOV 14 – Mr McDonald finally issues a public apology for his past behaviour as he returns to work in his Aberdeen Donside constituency. In contrast to Miss Sturgeon’s comments, he says his actions caused ‘considerable distress and upset’. He also reveals he is seeking professional help through the SNP to help change his behaviour.

NOV 16 – Mr McDonald is suspended from the parliamentary group and SNP party following fresh allegations.