SNP private investigators probe MSP over woman in hotel bed
New complaint made against suspended former minister
‘Disappeared in a cloak of secrecy’
SNP chiefs have called in private investigators following fresh allegations against former childcare minister Mark McDonald.
It emerged yesterday that a young woman has complained to party bosses claiming she woke up in the MSP’s hotel room bed – but could not remember how she got there.
It is the latest allegation against Mr McDonald, who is currently suspended from the SNP and has not returned to Holyrood following the first complaint in November.
It has also been claimed that a team of private investigators – including ex-detectives – have now been hired to independently look into the claims.
Mr McDonald resigned from Nicola Sturgeon’s Government last year after it was revealed he had caused ‘considerable distress and upset’ after sending a lewd text message to a woman.
The First Minister initially gave the Aberdeen Donside MSP her backing.
However, he was later suspended from the SNP following ‘several’ fresh complaints – including allegations from one woman who had said she had been ‘frightened’ by the fatherof-two’s conduct.
Yesterday the Sunday Post newspaper reported that a new complaint had been reported to SNP chiefs.
The young woman involved told party bosses that she had woken up in Mr McDonald’s hotel bed, with no idea how she got there following a night out.
According to the report, Mr McDonald had told the woman that he would ‘look after her’.
There is no suggestion of any criminality.
However, private investigators are now looking into the allegations made against 37-year-old Mr McDonald. A report will then be submitted to party chiefs who will decide on the MSP’s future.
It is understood a team of solicitors are leading the independent investigation into the case.
The latest claims come as opponents have urged the MSP to either return to work or resign as they accused the SNP of operating under a ‘cloak of secrecy’.
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said: ‘The Mark McDonald situation is getting ridiculous. He disappeared in a cloak of secrecy and has been missing for three months now.
‘Serious questions need to be asked about how the SNP handled this situation. It cannot be right that the people of Aberdeen Donside have an AWOL MSP.’
Mr McDonald quit as childcare and younger years minister on November 4 after a woman complained to the SNP about a sexually suggestive text message.
He apologised for the ‘inappropriate’ behaviour and claimed it was a misguided attempt at humour – suggesting he may return to government in the future.
However, a week later he said his actions had caused ‘considerable distress and upset’ and on November 16 he was suspended from the SNP and lost the party whip following ‘several’ new complaints.
He is yet to return to the Scottish parliament, despite continuing to work as an independent MSP. Constituents looking to speak to Mr McDonald are asked to make an appointment to meet him at his office.
Yesterday Mr McDonald could not be reached for comment.
But an SNP spokesman said: ‘An independent investigation remains ongoing.’