Colin Smyth, a Scottish Labour MSP, has been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged possession of indecent images of children.
The 52-year-old, who has represented South Scotland since 2016, was apprehended at a property in Dumfries earlier this month.
Scottish Labour has suspended Mr. Smyth, and he is currently listed as an independent member on the Scottish Parliament website.
He is scheduled to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date.
Mr. Smyth has held several prominent frontbench positions, most recently in April 2023, and previously served as Scottish Labour’s general secretary.
Initial attempts by BBC Scotland News to contact him were unsuccessful, with his phone going dead upon answering.
Subsequently, Mr. Smyth released a statement saying: “These events have come as a shock and this is a deeply stressful time.”
He added, “I am obviously cooperating fully with any inquiries and hope the matter can be resolved quickly.”
“I am not able to comment further at this stage,” Mr. Smyth concluded.
A Labour spokesperson stated: “The whip has been removed from Colin Smyth MSP, pending an investigation.”
“We cannot comment further on this matter while the investigation is ongoing,” the spokesperson added.
Sources indicate that the party suspended Mr. Smyth over the weekend upon learning of the ongoing police investigation.
Mr. Smyth’s arrest occurred on August 5th. A video featuring Mr. Smyth alongside Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, posted on social media two days later, has since been removed.
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