Home / Crime and Justice / Scottish Lawmaker Suspended Over Indecent Images Charges
Scottish Lawmaker Suspended Over Indecent Images Charges
20 Aug
Summary
- Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth arrested and charged
- Possession of indecent images prompts suspension from party
- Smyth previously served as Scottish Labour's general secretary
On August 5, 2025, Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth was arrested and charged in connection with possession of indecent images. The 52-year-old politician, who has represented the South of Scotland constituency since 2016, has been suspended from the party pending an investigation into the matter.
According to a statement from Police Scotland, officers executed a warrant at Smyth's property on Marchfield Avenue in Dumfries, leading to his arrest. The MSP is now due to appear in Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date to face the charges.
A spokesperson for Scottish Labour confirmed that the party has removed the whip from Smyth, effectively suspending him from the party. They stated that they cannot comment further on the ongoing investigation.
Smyth, who previously served as the general secretary of Scottish Labour from 2008 to 2012, has held a number of front bench roles, most recently as the party's spokesperson on Rural Affairs until April 2023. His suspension comes as a significant blow to the party, which is now facing a high-profile scandal involving one of its senior members.
