POLICE are investigating an allegation of sexual assault against SNP MP Patrick Grady, it has been confirmed.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police are looking into an incident at a London pub in October 2016 when the Glasgow North MP is said to have made an “unwanted sexual advance” to a teenage staffer, The Sunday Times and Sunday Mail report.
Grady has suspended his membership of the SNP and will sit as an independent at Westminster as the police investigation takes place.
A parliamentary probe found Grady behaved inappropriately towards a 19-year-old male party worker. The SNP MP was suspended from Parliament and by his party for two days.
Officers say they will speak to the young staffer, now aged 25, as part of their inquiries.
The complaint has not been made by the man but by “another worker at the Palace of Westminster”, reports state.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman commented: “On June 22 police received an allegation of sexual assault that is said to have taken place in October 2016 at a commercial premises in Folgate Street, E1.
“The report was submitted online by a third party. Officers will now be making inquiries, including contacting the alleged victim, in order to assess what further action is required.”
An SNP spokesperson said: "Patrick Grady is stepping away from his party membership while the police inquiry continues."
Last week, an audio recording was released of an SNP Westminster group meeting during which leader Ian Blackford said he looked forward to bringing Grady back into the fold and calling on other party MPs to support him.
Fellow SNP MPs Amy Callaghan and Marion Fellows also said colleagues should support Grady.
Callaghan has issued a fulsome apology for her remarks, while Blackford has since said it is up to Grady to “reflect on his behaviour” and position as MP following the investigation.
The SNP staffer, who is considering legal action over the case, says his life has been a “living hell” since he made the complaint.
