MSP shut out of parliament amid spy cam report

MSP Colin Smyth has had his parliament pass revoked following reports he hid a secret camera in the toilets at Holyrood.

The South Scotland MSP was suspended by Labour earlier this month after he was charged with possessing indecent images and is due to appear in court at a later date.

The Daily Record reported that Smyth faces a further charge of placing a secret camera in the toilets of the Scottish Parliament.

Last night the parliament said it had deactivated Smyth’s pass ahead of the return of MSPs next week following the summer recess.

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “Given the ongoing criminal investigation, the SPCB (Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body) took the decision this evening to deactivate Colin Smyth's parliamentary pass. We have informed all building users at Holyrood.”

In an email sent to Holyrood staff, the Scottish Parliament's chief executive David McGill said: “We recognise the nature of the criminal charges and the ongoing investigation may be upsetting for colleagues and cause distress.

“We would therefore like to remind everyone who works at Holyrood or in constituency offices of the confidential support services that are available.”

Smyth, who previously served as Scottish Labour’s general secretary, was arrested and charged earlier this month over the possession of indecent images.

In a statement released last week, he said his arrest had “come as a shock”.

He added: “I am obviously co-operating fully with any inquiries and hope the matter can be resolved quickly.”

The MSP served as the party’s transport spokesperson between 2017 and 2021 under then leader Richard Leonard.

Smyth later was named Scottish Labour spokesperson on for constitution and external affairs when Anas Sarwar became leader.

A Scottish Labour Party spokesperson said: “Swift action was taken after we became aware of these serious allegations. Colin Smyth MSP is an independent MSP.

“We cannot comment further on these deeply concerning developments while legal proceedings are ongoing.”