SNP MP Patricia Gibson subject of sexual harassment complaint by worker
SNP MP Patricia Gibson is the subject of a complaint of sexual harassment against a party employee.
The MP for North Ayrshire and Arran has denied that she did anything wrong, saying the claims are “malicious” and “without any foundation”, and that “there are significant doubts about the source of the story”.
The Herald previously reported that a complaint had been submitted to the SNP about Ms Gibson’s behaviour towards a party employee, when the pair were drinking in Strangers bar in Westminster.
It is alleged that Ms Gibson, 52, behaved inappropriately towards the man, then aged 22, in front of other MPS and bystanders on January 8, 2020.
The man, who is still employed by the SNP, claims the frontbencher was “grabbing” him and said things such as “you should come home with me”.
Ms Gibson denies that she acted in a sexually inappropriate manner.
The Herald understands that two SNP MPS witnessed an incident that night, with at least one of them providing statements to the party confirming what they saw.
Ms Gibson said the MPS have told the SNP “there is no substance to allegations suggesting inappropriate sexual behaviour by me”.
Text messages sent by an SNP MP who was in the bar that night to the complainer have been submitted to the SNP this week as new evidence.
The messages, seen by The Herald, show the MP suggesting the man could take forward a complaint if he was concerned about what had happened, describing the incident as “inappropriate”.
Another witness, who did not work for the party, previously corroborated the man’s account that Ms Gibson had been touching his arms and shoulders, and said he had looked uncomfortable after the MP spoke to him.
Ms Gibson said: “I have repeatedly stated that these are malicious allegations which are completely without any foundation. As I made clear when these serious allegations were first made, there are significant doubts about the source of the story.
“In particular, the fact that these allegations date back to January 2020, and my understanding is that the complainant was repeatedly told by the SNP the correct way to make a complaint is following the parliamentary process, but the complainant has chosen not to do that. It is my position that he is unwilling to make a formal complaint because he knows the allegations are untrue and that will be the finding of any investigation.
“If there is a formal investigation into these malicious allegations then I welcome the opportunity to clear my name.”
The complainant has made a formal complaint to the SNP, which is being investigated, and has now contacted the parliamentary complaints body, the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.
The SNP said: “Individuals are entitled to have complaints dealt with confidentially.”