SNP probes MSP bully allegations
The SNP is investigating bullying claims made by female members against an MSP.
Peter Murrell – the party’s chief executive and husband of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon – had been accused of ignoring a catalogue of allegations against Kenny Gibson.
But an inquiry is now under way after the Sunday Mail revealed the resignation of furious party officials in Gibson’s Cunninghame North constituency.
Branch organiser Dr Malcolm Kerr said: “Three members have been approached by HQ and asked to submit statements to an external investigator, regarding complaints about Kenneth Gibson made originally last year.
“In June 2019, 21 officials in the constituency wrote to the SNP’s CEO and national secretary asking for action on allegations of bullying, harassment and breach of parliamentary expenses rules, directed at Kenneth Gibson.
“Nothing was done at the time. Members have previously described loss of activists, low morale and an atmosphere of toxic masculinity deterring involvement among new activists.
“Our First Minister has been a fantastic champion for women in politics. But how can we expect progress if members don’t call out bullying and harassment when they see it and then ensure action is taken? “The investigation, even at this late stage, is welcome.”
The selection of the SNP’s Cunninghame North candidate for next year’s election has been suspended.
Kerr added: “So far HQ has made no public statement on the suspension and why it was deemed necessary nor laid out any new arrangements.”
Murrell has been accused of ignoring bullying claims from at least three women against Gibson as well as allegations he used parliamentary staff for electioneering.
Three women spoke to the Sunday Mail and supplied details of their experiences with Gibson. But they were left furious that Murrell failed to intervene despite numerous attempts at opening a dialogue with him.
The SNP declined to comment on the investigation.