Scottish Labour last night suspended Fife MSP Alex Rowley following allegations about his personal conduct from a former lover.
Senior politicians, including former leader Kezia Dugdale, had added their voices to a growing clamour for the suspension of the Mid Scotland and Fife MSP throughout the day.
Mr Rowley, 53, stepped aside from both his caretaker role as leader and his post as Scottish Labour deputy after the woman claimed their relationship had “felt like emotional blackmail and abuse”.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s right hand man issued a statement totally refuting the allegations and pledging “to take all steps necessary to clear my name”.
He said he had referred himself to the party so the allegations could be “properly and thoroughly investigated”.
His suspension means the Labour whip will be withdrawn in the Scottish Parliament while the probe is carried out.
Scottish Labour Business Manager James Kelly said: “It is important that the investigation into these allegations is fair and transparent, and the matter will be thoroughly investigated using the Labour Party’s internal complaints procedure.
“However, in light of the serious nature of the allegations, Labour at Holyrood has taken the decision to remove the whip from Alex Rowley for the period of this investigation.”
Ms Dugdale was the first to call for her former deputy to be suspended.
Leadership hopefuls Richard Leonard and Anas Sarwar later joined the fray.
Mr Rowley took over as interim leader when Ms Dugdale quit the role in August.
The allegations against him were made by a former journalist and Labour party worker who claimed he made her life “hell with his behaviour”.
The mum said she had been prompted to speak out after a number of other women made complaints about misconduct by Westminster and Holyrood politicians.
Mr Rowley is the most senior individual in the Labour Party to be affected.
Ms Dugdale called the allegations “serious and deeply concerning”.
She added: “Sexual harassment and abuse is never acceptable.
“If the past weeks have taught us anything it is that we need to support victims of abuse and all allegations need to be taken seriously and investigated in a fair and transparent way.”
As Jackie Baillie stepped into the breach as Scottish Labour caretaker leader, the two candidates for the job also called for his suspension.
Mr Leonard said: “We should go further on these issues – I fully support calls for an independent reporting mechanism and will take steps to ensure this happens in Scotland.”
In the meantime, he said, Labour had to investigate.
“We have to be very clear that there is zero tolerance for a culture that allows abuse of power in politics and across society and that these allegations will be seriously and thoroughly investigated,” he said.
His leadership opponent said the inquiry should be robust, fair and thorough.
“It is vital that people have confidence in our party internal procedures,” said Mr Sarwar.
“As leader, I will take a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment, abuse and discrimination,” he added.
