Labour challenged to be ‘transparent’ over suspension of MSP Foysol Choudhury

Labour is being challenged to be more “transparent” over the reasons for suspending a second MSP in less than two months.

The SNP and the Tories demanded answers after Foysol Choudhury was suspended by the party, with an independent body to investigate his conduct.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar could not say how long that probe would take.

He faced questions after Lothian MSP Mr Choudhury was suspended just weeks after the same action was taken against fellow MSP Colin Smyth, who was arrested and charged in connection with alleged possession of indecent images.

The SNP and the Conservatives have demanded Labour be “transparent” about the allegations against Mr Choudhury, but Mr Sarwar said: “I don’t think they understand independent complaint procedures and also safeguarding issues.”

The Scottish Labour leader told the Sunday Show on BBC Scotland: “We have an independent complaints procedure, complaints go to that independent body.

“That independent body believes there is enough there to investigate, therefore we have suspended Foysol Choudhury while that investigation takes place and he will sit as an Independent MSP.”

Asked how long the investigation would take, Mr Sarwar would only say: “That is a matter for the independent body.”

However, Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said Mr Sarwar had “refused to come clean on the reasons behind the latest suspension of a Labour MSP”.

And SNP MP Kirsty Blackman insisted: “Questions are mounting for Anas Sarwar over why he is refusing to confirm any details at all over the shock suspension of yet another Labour Party MSP following the suspension of Colin Smyth last month.”

Ms Blackman said: “No one is asking for full disclosure of every detail involving Foysol Choudhury, but voters have a right to know the basics of why two Labour Party MSPs have now been suspended in quick succession over the space of a month.

“After the recent Labour Party scandals involving Peter Mandelson, Morgan McSweeney and Angela Rayner, voters expect transparency – not more cover-ups.

“This is becoming a question of integrity for Anas Sarwar and he must be honest with voters.”