ANAS Sarwar was grilled on the suspension of another Labour MSP and said it was “not my gift” to reveal the nature of the latest allegations levied against one of the party’s representatives.
Foysol Choudhury was suspended at the weekend amid an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour.
It comes after a slate of scandals hit the Scottish branch of the party in recent months, including Colin Smyth, who was suspended after being charged in connection with possession of "indecent images”.
On BBC’s Good Morning Scotland, Sarwar was asked to reveal the nature of the allegations against Choudhury.
He said it was “really important the idea that we understand our system” and said it was an “independent complaints procedure that rightly is separate from political interference”.
The presenter replied: “You must know what the allegation of inappropriate behaviour is. Why can’t you just tell me?”
Sarwar said he “was sharing exactly” what he knew, in that complaints were sent to an independent body for review and the party were then asked to suspend Choudhury.
He was asked if the public would be told what the nature of the allegations were and told it was “in your gift to tell people”.
Sarwar responded saying it was not “his gift” to inform the public, saying the reason details have not been shared was due to safeguarding issues.
He was repeatedly asked why he did not know the nature of the allegations against his MSPs before being grilled on potential vetting issues within the party.
“Of course, it's not the first time that this course of action has had to be taken,” the presenter said.
“You've also got serious allegations levelled against Colin Smyth. Does the party have a problem when it comes to the alleged behaviour of some elected members?”
Sarwar said the allegations were different, given Smyth is now subject to an active police investigation, though the host said he was “more interested in the behaviour and what it tells us about what’s going on within” Scottish Labour.
The party leader said they “take swift action when it is appropriate” before being asked if there was a vetting issue of “not weeding out those who could potentially embarrass you or bring the party into disrepute”.
Sarwar said that “you can only due diligence something that is has happened or is shared with you, and these are things that have come since these members became MSPs”.
Asked again if he was confident in the adequacy of the party’s vetting procedures prior to the 2026 election, Sarwar said “Yes, absolutely”.
