Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth has been arrested and charged in connection with possession of indecent images, prompting his suspension from the party.
The South of Scotland MSP, who has previously served as the general secretary of the party, was arrested on Tuesday and is due to appear in court at a later date.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a property on Marchfield Avenue, Dumfries.
“A 52-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with possession of indecent images. He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date.”
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The whip has been removed from Colin Smyth MSP, pending an investigation. We cannot comment further on this matter while the investigation is ongoing.”
It is understood the MSP was administratively suspended by Labour after the party became aware of the police investigation. The Scottish Parliament website now lists him as an independent.
In a statement after he was arrested and charged, Smyth said the events have “come as a shock”, adding: “This is a deeply stressful time”.
“I am obviously co-operating fully with any inquiries and hope the matter can be resolved quickly.
“I am not able to comment further at this stage, and in the meantime I would ask for the privacy of my family and friends to be respected”, he added.
The 52-year-old was first elected as an MSP in 2016 and returned to Holyrood again at the 2021 election.
He has held a number of front bench roles, most recently serving as the party spokesperson on Rural Affairs up until April 2023.
He served as Scottish Labour’s general secretary from 2008 to 2012.
