The victim of sex pest MP Patrick Grady has blasted the SNP’s “brazen” decision to allow him back into the party after six months.
The former SNP staffer, who was 19 at the time of the sexual harassment, said he had not been told in advance of the decision.
He said: “I’ve paid the price for raising complaints with my career while the perpetrator has been allowed back into the fold.
“It is an attempt to silence future victims and fuels the boys’ club atmosphere within the SNP.”
Grady was found by the Westminster authorities to have made unwanted sexual advances to the then teenager in 2016 by touching and stroking his hair, back and neck.
He was ordered to make a public apology in the Commons, as well as a private one to the victim.
It was confirmed today after a story in the Times that the Glasgow North MP had resumed his party membership after a six month suspension.
Speaking to the Record, the victim said: “To have this come out today is quite a shock. My concerns over staff welfare within the SNP continue and I sincerely hope future victims will not feel scared to come forward as a result.
“From the start I’ve called out the SNP's protection of people like Patrick Grady and how supporting them goes against the ethos of the party.
“The ICGS upheld my complaints of sexual harassment I received when I was a teenager, yet the harasser has been allowed back into his role while I was forced out of mine.”
The handling of Grady’s sexual misconduct is believed to have played a role in the resignation of Ian Blackford as SNP leader of the Commons.
A leaked recording showed him urging colleagues to show support for Grady while failing to mention the victim. Blackford was replaced by Stephen Flynn.
The victim said: "Today has exposed the SNP’s protection in full force, after finally making the right decision and removing Ian Blackford as their leader, their new leader, Stephen Flynn has made it clear for all to see his feelings toward sexual harassment.
“In the summer, the SNP claimed they would do better and Nicola Sturgeon admitted the process for complaining within the SNP was not fit for purpose and that I had been let down, yet they have decided to readmit Grady without any communication with me before doing so.”
Labour MSP Neil Bibby said: “This decision clearly shows that under Stephen Flynn the SNP has no desire to root out sleaze or punish misdemeanours. It is business as usual for the SNP Westminster club. Patrick Grady should have the whip removed now. At the next election, the people of Glasgow will have the chance to give Mr Grady his jotters.”
Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine said: “This decision by the SNP to brush Patrick Grady's behaviour under the carpet and welcome him back into the parliamentary party under cover of the Christmas break is beneath contempt.
"It was unpleasant enough to hear Ian Blackford rallying support among SNP MPs for Patrick Grady instead of his victim over the summer yet alone to see that all is seemingly forgiven just 6 months later.
"All parties need to do better in dealing with proven cases of unacceptable behaviour. For the SNP that should start with once again removing the party whip from Patrick Grady."
An SNP spokesperson said: “Following a six-month suspension, Patrick Grady has resumed his membership of the SNP.”
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