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Labour Crisis Deepens: Foysol Choudhury, First Scottish Bangladeshi MSP, Suspended Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations-Scottish Labour has been plunged into a deepening political crisis following the immediate suspension of Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury over a serious complaint lodged by a Holyrood staff member, which includes a specific allegation of sexual harassment.
The shocking revelation, which emerged over the weekend, sees Mr Choudhury—a high-profile advocate for diversity and the first ever Scottish Bangladeshi elected to Holyrood—removed from the party whip, now sitting as an independent MSP while a full investigation takes place. The timing could not be worse, hitting Labour on the eve of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s keynote speech at the party’s annual conference in Liverpool.
Community Condemnation and Broken Trust
The allegations are being met with profound dismay and anger, particularly within the British Bangladeshi community, for whom Mr Choudhury was seen as a pioneering figure. As a widely respected community leader, Chair of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council, and Vice-Chair of the Edinburgh Mela, his elevation to political office in 2021 was hailed as a landmark moment for representation.
Sources close to community leaders across the UK have expressed deep disappointment. His alleged conduct is being viewed as a betrayal of trust, with many now calling his actions shameful for the British Bangladeshi community, fearing the negative reflection this scandal casts on the entire diaspora in British politics.
Suspension and Investigation Details-Following reports from the Daily Record, the party confirmed that the complaint against Mr Choudhury involves an allegation of sexual harassment made by a parliamentary staffer. The woman concerned has been directed towards the Labour Party’s UK-wide complaints process, indicating the serious nature of the case being treated at the highest level.
A Labour spokesperson affirmed the party’s stance: “The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously. They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken.” Mr Choudhury’s suspension is understood to be an "administrative" measure taken immediately upon receipt of the complaint.
Sarwar Defends ‘Swift Action’ Amid Scrutiny-Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar faced intense grilling regarding the second MSP suspension in recent weeks. Mr Choudhury’s removal comes barely a month after South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth was suspended, who was later charged in connection with the possession of indecent images of children and a hidden camera offence in a Holyrood bathroom. Mr Smyth’s parliamentary pass was subsequently deactivated, and counselling was offered to Holyrood staff.
Speaking publicly, Mr Sarwar robustly defended the party’s handling of both cases, arguing that Labour takes "swift action" when allegations arise.
"When we became aware of the nature of the investigation against Colin Smyth, we suspended him immediately... Now that we have had complaints come in about Foysol Choudhury and they merit an investigation, we’ve moved swiftly, the same day to suspend him and he now sits as an independent MSP," Mr Sarwar stated.
Despite calls from opposition parties—including the SNP and Scottish Conservatives—to "urgently come clean" on the reasons behind the suspension, Mr Sarwar insisted he would not compromise the "independent process," citing safeguarding issues as the reason for withholding specific details on the new allegation.
The suspension, which adds significant strain to the Scottish Labour group, ensures Mr Choudhury will remain an independent MSP while the internal investigation determines the facts of the serious complaint against him.
The serious nature of the complaint centres on an allegation of sexual harassment made by an unnamed female Holyrood staffer against the Lothian MSP. While the precise details of the alleged inappropriate conduct remain confidential, shielded by the Labour Party's independent complaints procedure and safeguarding protocols, the severity of the claim immediately triggered Mr Choudhury's administrative suspension and referral to the party's UK-wide disciplinary process.
Source of News Report: The Herald Scotland
