SCOTTISH Labour MSP Colin Smyth has issued a statement after being charged over allegations linked to the “possession of indecent images”.
On Wednesday, news broke that the South Scotland MSP had lost the Labour whip pending an investigation following an arrest on August 5.
Police Scotland then confirmed that a “52-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with possession of indecent images” after the execution of a warrant in Dumfries.
In the wake of the news, Smyth said: “These events have come as a shock and this is a deeply stressful time.
“I am obviously cooperating 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 that for the privacy of my family and friends to be respected.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Tuesday, 5 August, 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."
And 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."
