Scottish Labour has suspended Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Pam Duncan-Glancy, removing the party whip following a controversy surrounding her personal association with a convicted sex offender. The decision, which takes immediate effect, marks a significant disciplinary move against one of the party’s most prominent figures in Holyrood.
Disciplinary Action and Party Response
The suspension follows mounting pressure regarding Duncan-Glancy’s ongoing friendship with Sean Morton, a former Labour councillor. Morton was convicted of sexual offenses in 2018 and subsequently placed on the sex offenders register. A spokesperson for Scottish Labour confirmed the move, stating that the party expects its representatives to uphold the highest standards of conduct and judgment.
By removing the whip, the party has effectively distanced itself from the Glasgow MSP while an internal investigation is conducted. Duncan-Glancy will now sit as an independent member of the Scottish Parliament, losing her status as a representative of the Labour group during the suspension period.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy centers on reports detailing the nature of the relationship between Duncan-Glancy and Morton. Sean Morton, who previously served as a councillor in Moray, was sentenced to a community payback order and added to the sex offenders register for five years following his conviction for multiple counts of sexual assault. The revelation that Duncan-Glancy maintained a close personal connection with Morton despite his criminal history has drawn sharp criticism from both political opponents and the public.
Impact on the Scottish Labour Frontbench
Pam Duncan-Glancy, who was elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2021, has been a high-profile advocate for social justice and disability rights. As the first wheelchair user to be elected to Holyrood, she has held significant roles within the party’s shadow cabinet, most recently serving as the spokesperson for education and skills. Her sudden suspension leaves a notable vacancy in the Scottish Labour frontbench and presents a challenge for party leader Anas Sarwar as he seeks to maintain party discipline and public trust.
While Duncan-Glancy has yet to release a comprehensive formal statement regarding the suspension, the investigation is expected to examine whether her associations breached the party’s code of conduct or brought the organization into disrepute. The Scottish Parliament’s standards of conduct are also likely to come under scrutiny as the case develops.
