SNP MSP in sleaze probe quits party but will return

Mark McDonald plans to be back as independent MSP

A former Scottish Government minister is to return to Holyrood despite investigators finding he exploited his position to pester women.

Mark McDonald quit the SNP yesterday but plans to be back in the Scottish Parliament next week as an independent MSP.

Last night his ex-boss Nicola Sturgeon called on him to step down from his seat “to give his constituents the opportunity to elect a new MSP”, which could pave the way for a sensational return to frontline politics for former first minister Alex Salmond.

The Dundee University graduate told a press conference that his behaviour towards two women, which included an allegation of sending a lewd message, had fallen below standards and caused them distress.

The SNP published a summary of their findings from an investigation into his behaviour involving three women, which came to light in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein revelations.

The party, which used private investigators, said Mr McDonald sent “inappropriate and unwanted” messages through text and social media, causing the complainants distress.

His behaviour was “persistent” and involved an exploitation of power, the party investigation concluded.

The probe looked into another claim of “inappropriate physical contact during a social event”, but investigators were “not able to reach a definitive conclusion on this matter”.

Speaking in his Aberdeen Donside constituency, Mr McDonald said: “The findings, which I cannot disclose other than in very general terms, confirm I have accepted that my behaviour towards two individuals fell below the level of professionalism that they were entitled to expect of me, whether in a professional or a social context.

Apologising to the individuals, he added: “While at no stage was my behaviour in any way physically abusive, and while it was certainly not my intention to cause any upset, discomfort or offence to those concerned, it is clear through the concerns highlighted in the report that I have done so.”

Mr McDonald, who earns £62,000 as an MSP, said he had been working with a behaviour coach.

An SNP spokesman said: “Investigators concluded that Mr McDonald had been deliberate in his actions and should have been aware that it was not appropriate for an individual in his position to be behaving in such a manner.”

Labour and the Tories said members of the public would question why Mr McDonald was still sitting as an independent MSP when his conduct was judged to have fallen below the standards of being an SNP MSP.

A Scottish Parliament spokeswoman said: “The parliament will be discussing practical arrangements for his return with Mr McDonald shortly.”

Picture: Steven Brown. Nicola Sturgeon called on Mark McDonald to step down from his seat.