The Liberal Democrats of Scotland demanded that the party whip be removed from both MPs, which would mean that they would be forced to sit as independents and would not be able to support the party again if it is not restored. A spokesman said: “The SNP has voiced its disapproval of the Conservatives’ misbehavior, recognizing that the same standards they demand of others should apply to them.”
“Immersed in bathing”
Meanwhile, the Scottish Tories claimed that despite the partygate scandal, the SNP was the one that “sank into the uproar”. “It seems that Nicola Sturgeon’s party again has failed victims of alleged sexual harassment,” said Stephen Kerr, the party leader. “The SNP has shown a complete lack of transparency and has tried to get these horrific incidents under the rug in the hope that people will forget about them. “The victims deserve better than being treated a posteriori by the SNP.” Ms Sturgeon has admitted in the past that she was “concerned” about Mr Grady, but the party did not take any formal action as a result. He resigned as head of the whip in March last year, following a formal complaint and the charges against him became known. He was a high-ranking party official before being elected to the North Glasgow Parliament in 2015. He has not made any public statements about the allegations. The outcome of the Westminster authorities’ inquiry has been referred to an independent panel of experts, which may propose sanctions, including suspension or expulsion from Parliament. The SNP will also have to decide whether to take action against MEPs. Mr Grady and Mrs Gibson have not yet commented. A SNP spokesman said: “It would not be legally appropriate to comment on the ongoing parliamentary process.”
