Labour MSP to stand down at election

Pam Duncan-Glancy has announced she will no longer contest the Scottish Parliament election in May.

The Glasgow Labour MSP stepped down from the front bench earlier in December over links to a convicted sex offender.

She has now confirmed she has withdrawn her candidacy for the next election out of concern it could become a “distraction”.

The selection process for the Glasgow Kelvin and Maryhill will be reopened by the party.

Sean Morton, a former councillor, was convicted in 2018 for indecent child image offences.

Duncan-Glancy is reported to have maintained a friendship with Morton and resigned as education spokesperson after being approached by the Daily Record about the relationship.

Making the announcement about her candidacy, she said: “While this has obviously been a very difficult decision - and it is the greatest honour of my life to represent Glasgow - I do not wish for a personal friendship to become a distraction.

"I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve, and I remain committed to returning a Scottish Labour government next year."

Elected in 2021, Duncan-Glancy was the first permanent wheelchair user to become an MSP.

She took on the social security portfolio after the election and was moved to education in 2023.

She has been a vocal opponent to the Assisted Dying Bill currently going through parliament, warning of the adverse effect it may have on disabled people.

The SNP said Labour had “dragged their heels” over the decision to allow her to stand.

George Adam MSP said: “Anas Sarwar should’ve removed Duncan-Glancy as a candidate as soon as this scandal came to light.

“But what Labour seem to be saying now is that Pam Duncan-Glancy is not fit to be a candidate, not fit to remain on Labour’s front bench, but is perfectly fit to remain as a Labour MSP for Glasgow for the next six months.”