Ian Blackford has no plans to quit as SNP Westminster leader following leaked recording
Nicola Sturgeon called the clip of SNP MPs supporting Patrick Grady 'utterly unacceptable'
Last updated 23rd Jun 2022
Ian Blackford says he has no plans to resign following a leaked recording about Patrick Grady.
The Westminster leader has faced criticism about how the party dealt with a harassment complaint against Glasgow North MP Patrick Grady who was suspended from parliament.
Last week, an audio recording was leaked of an SNP Westminster group meeting during which Ian Blackford said he looked forward to welcoming Mr Grady back.
Speaking to us, Ian Blackford said:
"I was responding to a particular question that was put to me at that meeting and of course I regret how that meeting was conducted.
"At the end of the day, I have a responsibility for all of my staff members, all of my group, to show appropriate leadership and that's what I am doing."
Speaking about the recording at FMQs earlier, Nicola Sturgeon said:
"I think that is utterly unacceptable and that is something I will be very clear about."
"All parties have faced this, all parties have been criticsed, including in these cases for their handling of these matters, and I think it is important for all of us - and I will simply speak for myself - that somebody in my position should not sit in a glass house throwing stones about these things.
"We should sort these things out when they arise in our own parties, that's what I intend to do for the SNP and I think it's what all leaders should do when it arises in their parties as well."
The First Minister says she has apologised to the victim and has also offered to meet with them.
The complainer has repeatedly hit out at the SNP, for whom he still works, over its handling of the issue, saying his life has been made a "living hell" and raising the possibility of legal action.
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