SNP chief whip steps aside following harassment complaint

The SNP's chief whip in the House of Commons has stepped aside while the party investigates a sexual harassment complaint.

The party said it had received a formal complaint against Patrick Grady and that "due process" would now take place.

Mr Grady, the MP for Glasgow North since 2015, became his party's chief whip in June 2017.

The SNP said it would not be commenting further on the complaint against him.

The formal complaint relates to an alleged incident in 2016.

A party staff member claims that Mr Grady inappropriately touched him in a London pub.

It is the job of a chief whip to ensure their party's MPs vote with its leadership.

Analysis by David Wallace Lockhart, BBC Scotland political correspondent

This is probably the last thing the first minister needs. With an election looming in Scotland, it's a particularly bad time to have a prominent MP facing allegations like this.

There are allegations the party failed to take firm, swift action when earlier concerns were raised about Patrick Grady.

Mr Grady has been approached for comment.

Some Conservative politicians are claiming there's a "stench of corruption" within the SNP.

Similar accusations have been levelled at senior party figures in relation to their cooperation with the Holyrood committee investigating the Scottish government's handling of harassment complaints.

Nicola Sturgeon, and her party colleagues, would argue that they've assisted the inquiry to the best of their ability.

And the SNP is pointing out that an investigation was launched into Patrick Grady as soon as a complaint was made. This, they insist, was the first opportunity for formal processes to begin.

But the SNP image has had a difficult few weeks. This most recent development won't help with that.