MSP suspended from Labour says conduct probe has made life ‘hell’

An MSP who was suspended from Scottish Labour amid an investigation into his conduct has said the allegations have made his life “hell”.

Foysol Choudhury told a newspaper he had not been informed of the reason for his suspension, which took place at the end of September.

The Lothian MSP is facing an investigation by an independent body into his conduct.

In his first public comments on his suspension, Mr Choudhury denied any wrongdoing and told the Sunday Mail he had not been given information which would allow him to defend himself.

He said: “This process has made my life a living hell.

“I have not been told what I am accused of nor given any information that would allow me to respond or defend myself.

“Despite being ready at all times to answer any questions, my health, career, family life and reputation have been severely affected.

“Regardless of the ­eventual outcome, my honour and reputation have already been damaged.”

He said the independent body conducting the investigation, Labour’s governance and legal unit, had repeatedly reminded him of the confidentiality of the process.

Mr Choudhury, who was first elected to Holyrood in 2021, is currently sitting as an independent.

He had been selected as the party’s candidate for Edinburgh North at next year’s election but the party is understood to have reopened its selection process with an all-women shortlist.

The MSP said: “I have now been prevented from taking part in the selection process and removed as a candidate before I have had any fair opportunity to defend myself, this is a direct violation of my rights and a serious injustice.

“This has denied me the basic right to defend my name and reputation.

“I will continue to ask Scottish Labour to reconsider their decision, to reopen the selection process for a seat I was democratically-elected for. I believe I will be cleared of this complaint.”

A spokesman for Scottish Labour said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously.

“They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken.”

Party leader Anas Sarwar has previously said the investigation is a matter for the independent body.

Mr Sarwar has said he cannot provide any details of the nature of the investigation.

Mr Choudhury’s comments come after Scottish Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy resigned from Mr Sarwar’s frontbench team on Friday evening over a separate issue.

Ms Duncan-Glancy admitted “a serious lapse in professional judgment” in relation to reports of her friendship with a convicted sex offender.

The party said she has done the “right thing” and considers the matter closed.