A member of the Labour party is facing charges for allegedly installing a hidden camera in restrooms at the Scottish Parliament. Colin Smyth, a Labour MSP, has been suspended following the accusation. The charge related to the camera was made public on Thursday night. This incident follows his suspension from the party after being accused of possessing inappropriate images.
Colin Smyth, residing in Dumfries, was taken into custody on Tuesday after authorities from Police Scotland secured a search warrant for his residence. Reports indicate that a search of his electronic devices, including his phone and computer, was conducted. Furthermore, his access pass to Holyrood was revoked on Thursday.
According to a spokesperson for the Scottish Parliament, due to the ongoing legal investigation, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body decided to deactivate Colin Smyth’s parliamentary pass. David McGill, the Parliament’s chief executive, informed MSPs via email about this decision, acknowledging the potential distress caused by the situation and offering support services to individuals working at Holyrood or in constituency offices.
Colin Smyth was previously detained and accused of possessing inappropriate images, leading to his suspension from the Scottish Labour party. The MSP for South Scotland was detained on Tuesday, August 5, and is expected to appear in court at a later date. He first became an MSP in 2016 and was re-elected in 2021, now listed as an Independent on the Scottish Parliament website.
A representative from Police Scotland confirmed that a 52-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with possessing inappropriate images during an operation at a property in Dumfries. The individual is scheduled to appear in Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later time. Scottish Labour stated that Colin Smyth’s party membership has been suspended pending an investigation.
Colin Smyth issued a statement expressing shock at the events and stating his full cooperation with inquiries while requesting privacy for his family and friends. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service disclosed that they had received a prosecution report regarding the 52-year-old man from Police Scotland.