Scandal-hit Fife MSP Bill Walker has resigned from two powerful parliamentary committees in the wake of domestic abuse allegations.
The Dunfermline MSP was suspended from the SNP over the weekend amid revelations that all three of his ex-wives have accused him of physical assault.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that Mr Walker, who is also a Fife councillor, has now resigned from the Scottish Parliament’s local government and public petitions committees. The 69-year-old has sat on both committees since being elected last May.
Mr Walker confirmed the resignations but would not comment further.
”I decided to resign as membership of the committees are put forward by the party and unfortunately I am currently suspended from the SNP,” he said.
”So I have stood down to allow another SNP member to be placed on the committees as soon as possible.”
A spokesman for the SNP said Mr Walker could not continue to represent the party in the role while suspended.
He added: ”However, the decision to resign from the committees rested with Mr Walker. To ensure the smooth running of parliamentary business we will be seeking to nominate SNP replacements for approval at the earliest opportunity.”
The suspension also means Mr Walker is no longer a member of the SNP group on Fife Council, where he represents the West Fife and Coastal Villages ward.
The SNP will now carry out a disciplinary hearing with a panel of nine party members to determine if he should be expelled from the party.
But even if he were to be expelled it would not mean he would have to stand down as Dunfermline MSP, as he could continue to serve as an independent.
Mr Walker won the seat, which had previously been held by Liberal Democrat Jim Tolson, in last year’s election.
He married his fourth wife, June, in July last year at Culross Abbey.
He has previously said he disputes ”almost entirely all” the allegations that have been made against him by his ex-wives.
A spokesman for Scottish Labour said Mr Walker’s resignation from the committees was ”not a surprise”.
”There needs to be a strong message across all the parties that there is zero tolerance of domestic abuse,” he added.