The Motherwell and Wishaw branch of the Labour Party has called on the constituency’s MP to clarify remarks she made during a leaked recording relating to disgraced MP Patrick Grady.
Westminster authorities last week ruled that Grady, the SNP MP for Glasgow North, had made unwanted sexual advances against a teenage member of staff by touching and stroking his victim’s hair, back and neck in a London pub in 2016. He was given a two-day suspension from the House of Commons.
During the leaked audio footage, Motherwell and Wishaw MP Marion Fellows stated to a meeting of SNP MPs at Westminster: “Patrick is not out of our thoughts and Patrick is getting support. Just because people don’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening."
Motherwell and Wishaw Labour Party has published the audio footage on social media alongside a statement.
A Labour spokesperson said: “It is utterly baffling that our MP is suggesting that the SNP Group at Westminster is doing everything they can to support and protect an MP who acted inappropriately.
“Patrick is not the victim here, instead the real victim - the junior member of staff - should be receiving proper support.
“The SNP has always been quick to criticise other parties but at this hurdle they’ve simply fallen and given themselves a sore one.
“For a party which has a zero tolerance approach towards sexual misconduct, we’d expect Marion Fellows to now issue clarification that the victim is receiving support and to apologise for standing by someone who has acted grossly.”
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford can also be heard saying on the audio: “He’s [Grady] going to face a number of challenges over the short term and so he should have our absolute full support.
“I for one very much look forward to welcoming Patrick back into the group next week. I am sure that everybody here will agree.”
Labour councillor Louise Roarty, who represents the Murdostoun ward, added: “Patrick Grady isn’t the victim, he is the sexual predator.
“All the support should be for the victim who was subjected to unwanted sexual advances.
“Far too often the SNP close ranks and deflect the truth with a lack of transparency.
“Mrs Fellows remarks are shameful. My thoughts are with the victim.”
Mrs Fellows responded to the calls from the Labour Group and said: “At our group meeting I was making the important point that pastoral support has been offered to everyone involved in this process.
“Like any organisation, the parliamentary group has a duty to support the personal welfare of all of its staff and MPs.
“As the report from the Independent Expert Panel and parliamentary commissioner for standards states, Patrick Grady was wrong to do what he did, and was right to apologise.
“I do not, and have not, condoned his actions. The staff member involved deserves all our compassion and support.”
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