An SNP MP who sexually harassed a teenager is reportedly planning to stand again at the next general election.
Patrick Grady, who represents Glasgow North, is preparing for the SNP candidate selection process which is due to take place this summer.
The seat is a key Labour target at the next UK-wide poll, which is expected to take place next year.
Grady was suspended from the party for six months and from the House of Commons for two days after he was found to have made unwanted sexual advances to a 19 year old SNP staffer in 2016 by touching and stroking his hair, back and neck.
The 43-year-old was readmitted to the party in December.
Grady reportedly intends to use his faith to win over Catholic voters in the constituency.
The young man he targeted in 2016 said Grady shouldn't get to stand again. "The SNP emboldened him to feel like he's untouchable by allowing him back into the party," he told the Sun. "It seems Ian Blackford's orders of rallying around him, instead of the victim, worked."
Scottish Labour MSP Martin Whitfield said: "It will be a scandal if the SNP turn a blind eye to Patrick Grady's history of sexual harassment and allow him to stand."
Former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford and East Dunbartonshire MP Amy Callaghan came under fire after they were recorded saying that their parliamentary colleagues should support Grady during the sexual harassment investigation.
One insider said Grady aimed to big up his church links to win votes. Gray is a member of Westminster’s cross-party Holy See group, which sends regular delegations to the Vatican.
The source told the paper: "He’s been saying that he can still win the seat back despite everything and that he will try to tap into the Catholic vote in north Glasgow.”
Sources also said SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn had been told that Grady wants to stand again. But there is a chance Grady may not pass candidate vetting due to his track record. Even if he passes vetting, proposed boundary changes for UK Parliament constituencies means he could be pipped by one of his colleagues for the Glasgow North seat.
With Glasgow to have six MPs rather than seven after the next general election, it is possible that Grady could go up against former Westminster leadership candidate Alison Thewliss. Thewliss' Glasgow Central seat is set to be abolished when the boundary changes come into place. She is highly-rated and an ally of First Minister Humza Yousaf.
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
