SNP’s Westminster boss Ian Blackford facing calls to quit after backing one of his sex-pest MPs
THE SNP boss in Westminster is facing calls to quit after he backed one of his sex-pest MPs.
Ian Blackford, the nationalists leader in Parliament is under fire for backing Patrick Grady who has been suspended for two days for harassing a teenage member of staff.
Mr Blackford was recorded offering him “as much support as possible" at a meeting of MPs.
He was accused of hypocrisy after tweeting the “SNP Westminster group will have zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviour” back in 2017.
Another MP Amy Callaghan has apologised for also supporting the shamed MP in the leaked tape.
In a statement she said: “I am both sorry and, ultimately, take full responsibility for my words as insensitive, poorly worded and misplaced as they were.
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Meghan Gallacher said: “Ian Blackford cannot remain as leader of the SNP at Westminster.”
Scottish Labour's Neil Bibby added: “That Ian Blackford and SNP MPs would stand and applaud after one of their colleagues admitted abusing his position to take sexual advantage of a staff member is disgusting.
“There is no place in politics for men who turn a blind eye to abuse because it has been perpetrated by a friend.”
