Edinburgh,August 29(HS):

Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth has been barred from the Scottish Parliament after explosive allegations emerged that he secretly planted a camera in a Holyrood toilet.

Smyth, the South Scotland representative and former Labour frontbencher, had already been suspended by his party earlier this month after being charged with possessing indecent images of children. He now faces an additional police charge connected to the covert device, first uncovered in a Daily Record investigation.

In an email to staff, Scottish Parliament chief executive David McGill confirmed that Smyth’s building pass was deactivated, citing the “ongoing criminal investigation.” He also acknowledged the disturbing nature of the case and urged colleagues to seek confidential support services if needed.

Senior political insiders told BBC Scotland that the Daily Record’s reporting is accurate.

Smyth, who previously served as Labour’s general secretary, is said to be cooperating with the inquiry and is due to appear before Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date.

A Scottish Labour spokesperson stressed the party had acted swiftly, reiterating that Smyth is now sitting as an independent MSP.

In a statement following his arrest, Smyth described the allegations as a “shock” and admitted he was facing a “deeply stressful time.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar