Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth in 'shock' after being charged over indecent images

A Scottish Labour MSP has been charged by police in connection with possession of indecent images.

Colin Smyth, 52, was arrested at a property in Dumfries and Galloway earlier this month and is due to appear in court at a later date.

The MSP for South Scotland has been suspended by Scottish Labour and is now listed as an independent on the Scottish parliament website.

Smyth said in a statement: "These events have come as a shock and this is a deeply stressful time. I am obviously cooperating fully with any inquiries and hope the matter can be resolved quickly.

"I am not able to comment further at this stage, and in the meantime I would ask that for the privacy of my family and friends to be respected."

Police Scotland said it executed a warrant at an address in Marchfield Avenue, Dumfries, on 5 August.

A force spokesperson added: "A 52-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with possession of indecent images. He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date."

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Smyth has been an MSP since 2016 and previously served as Scottish Labour's general secretary from 2008 to 2012.

Sky News understands Smyth was administratively suspended from the party after it became aware of the police investigation.

A Labour spokesperson said: "The whip has been removed from Colin Smyth MSP, pending an investigation.

"We cannot comment further on this matter while the investigation is ongoing."

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