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The timing of his suspension ahead of the election has sparked local debate over his prospects for party re-nomination and his ability to win re-election.The reason for his suspension from the party has become the 'talk of Edinburgh' among the local Bangladeshi community right now, with various discussions taking place.
The distribution of party campaign leaflets in his constituency was halted on Saturday. On Friday, he had informed his campaign's WhatsApp group that the weekend's campaigning would be suspended, citing issues related to leaflet delivery.
Lothian MSP, previously linked to unfair dismissal tribunal, sits as independent while Labour investigates; Opposition demands full disclosure.
A Scottish Labour MSP, Foysol Choudhury, who made history as the first Scottish Bangladeshi elected to Holyrood, has been administratively suspended from the party following an allegation of inappropriate conduct. The MSP for the Lothian region will now sit as an independent in the Scottish Parliament while the party carries out a formal investigation into the internal complaint.
Details of the Suspension and Past Controversy
The suspension is the second high-profile case for Scottish Labour in just over a month. It follows the suspension of fellow MSP Colin Smyth, who was arrested and charged over the possession of indecent images and allegations regarding a secret camera in parliamentary toilets—charges he denies. The party has stated the two cases are not linked.
The specifics of the current allegation against Mr Choudhury have not been disclosed. A Scottish Labour spokesperson confirmed the party's formal position, stating, "The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously. They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken."
The Daily Dazzling Dawn contacted Mr Choudhury for comment regarding his suspension.
This is not the first time Mr Choudhury has been linked to a controversy. He was a founding director and Vice-Chair of the Edinburgh Mela festival. In 2021, a tribunal found that a former director of the Mela, Mr Purnell, was unfairly dismissed from his role, and awarded him £67,000. The tribunal specifically noted that the manner in which both Mr Choudhury and another colleague gave evidence was "often unsatisfactory," and that they "showed a reluctance to answer simple questions directly." Mr Purnury denied the allegations against him at the time of the tribunal.
Mr Choudhury, elected in 2021, remains a prominent community figure, serving as Chair of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council.
Political Fallout
The timing of the suspension—occurring on the eve of the UK Labour party conference—has intensified political pressure.
SNP MP Kirsty Blackman called on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to "urgently come clean on the reasons why yet another Labour party MSP has been suspended," arguing that "The public deserve full transparency," and suggesting the situation points to a "crisis" within the Labour party.
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton echoed the demand, claiming the suspension shows "Labour are in complete chaos" and urging the party to be "as transparent as possible about what has happened."
Mr Choudhury will continue as the elected MSP for Lothian but will sit in the Scottish Parliament as an independent member until the investigation concludes. The party has not disclosed the duration or precise terms of the inquiry.
With an upcoming election in view, his suspension from the party has become the subject of intense discussion across Scotland this Saturday, particularly concerning its potential impact on his constituency and whether he will still be re-selected by the party to stand for election. Mr Choudhury, who is from Habiganj, arranged a program for the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, at the Scottish Parliament.
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