Former Scottish Labour interim leader Alex Rowley has been suspended from the party’s parliamentary group after allegations about his conduct emerged.
He had stepped aside from the role after a a former partner told the Scottish Sun newspaper that their relationship “felt like emotional blackmail and abuse”.
Mr Rowley, who was election agent for former prime minister Gordon Brown and is an MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, denies the allegations.
The anonymous woman claimed he made her life “hell with his behaviour” and said she had been inspired to speak out after a number of other women made complaints about misconduct by politicians at Westminster and Holyrood.
The Scottish Labour party said Mr Rowley has had the Labour whip withdrawn, and this would remain the case as the allegations are investigated.
Scottish Labour Business Manager James Kelly said: “It is important that the investigation into these allegations is fair and transparent, and the matter will be thoroughly investigated using the Labour party’s internal complaints procedure.
“However, in light of the serious nature of the allegations, Labour at Holyrood has taken the decision to remove the whip from Alex Rowley for the period of this investigation.”
Former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale had called for Mr Rowley to be suspended from the party after allegations about his conduct emerged.
