A SNP worker who was sexually harassed by Patrick Grady has slammed Ian Blackford for a "publicity stunt" statement after he issued an apology.
The SNP Westminster leader released a statement earlier tonight stating that he "deeply regrets" what happened to the staff member who was 19 at the time of the incident.
Grady was found by an independent investigation to have behaved inappropriately towards the male party worker at a function.
In a statement released to the Daily Record the victim hit out at Blackford saying "the Leader of the Group should be replaced with someone who will handle these situations in an appropriate manner".
Blackford promised an external review will be held to look at the support available to staff following the incident.
It comes after audio was leaked of a party meeting where Blackford said he was "very much looking forward to welcoming Patrick back into the group" and encouraged fellow MPs to give him "as much support as possible".
The victim said: "I’ve received no private apology from Ian, and was given no advanced sight of this public apology.
"This is a publicity stunt by Ian in an effort to save his job, he hasn’t addressed his handling of the situation, he hasn’t addressed the seriousness of the upheld complaint, nor has he explained why he and the Chief Whip have given more focus to finding the leaker, than taking action on the harasser Ian Blackford fails to realise that the issues he raises about staff’s concerns, are his own doing, an a direct result of his poor leadership with responsibility for staff.
"He has also failed to fully accept the detrimental impact this has had on my life, career and relationships.
"Ian Blackford has no intention of improving the situation for staff, but instead shows every sign of helping his mates and punishing those that disagree.
"If the party are serious about zero-tolerance, then Patrick Grady must have the whip removed permanently, and the Leader of the Group should be replaced with someone who will handle these situations in an appropriate manner."
Blackford's statement
In a statement Blackford said: "As SNP Westminster leader, I have a duty of care to all of our staff.
"That is why I deeply regret that a member of staff was subject to inappropriate behaviour. It was completely unacceptable and should never have happened. I am sorry that it did."
He added: "Staff must have full confidence that the group takes complaints seriously.
"In this case, the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme investigated what happened. We respect and accept that independent process."
Blackford continued: "More than that, however, staff have a right to feel fully supported when a complaint is made. I regret that the complainant does not feel that this is the case.
"The way that this situation has played out publicly over the last few days, including recordings from the parliamentary group, has caused distress to the complainant amongst others and I am sorry that is the case."
He stated: "We will consider all lessons that must be learned to make sure staff have full confidence they will receive the support they need.
"As such, I am initiating an external review of support available to staff, to sit alongside the independent advice service and independent complaints process.
"Raising complaints of this nature is never easy, and I am determined that staff have the support they need."
Calls to resign
Blackford has also faced calls to resign from Scottish Conservative Party chairman Craig Hoy.
He said: “It’s astounding that it took Ian Blackford this long to realise he should apologise.
"The SNP Westminster leader has shown appalling judgement and is only now saying sorry in a desperate bid to save his own skin.
"His credibility is in tatters and he must go, so that no victim is ever let down this atrociously again."
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