Scottish Labour has suspended MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy from the party whip following revelations concerning her ongoing relationship with a twice-convicted paedophile. The Glasgow MSP, who serves as the first permanent wheelchair user elected to the Scottish Parliament, stated she is 'deeply disappointed' by the decision, claiming the precise reasons for the timing remain unclear to her.
New Information Triggers Suspension
Party leader Anas Sarwar confirmed at Holyrood that the suspension occurred after 'new information' came to light during an investigation. While the specific details of this information have not been publicly disclosed, it follows Ms Duncan-Glancy's earlier dismissal from her role as Scottish Labour's shadow education secretary in December. That initial action was taken after her friendship with Sean Morton, a former Labour councillor in Moray, became known.
Convictions and Relationship History
Sean Morton was first convicted in 2017 for possessing indecent images of children and extreme animal pornography. He faced the courts again in January 2025, receiving a 16-month sentence for possessing further indecent child images and breaching a sexual offences order. Ms Duncan-Glancy has described Morton as a childhood friend who grew up with her and periodically stayed with her family, stating he is 'to all intents and purposes, family.'
In a detailed statement, the MSP clarified that while she does not condone Morton's crimes and believes the justice system rightly dealt with him, she views him as a vulnerable individual requiring support. 'My personal relationship... has never affected my work,' she asserted. 'He, however, was and remains someone requiring support, and my family and I, as is often the case, ensured his welfare.'
Values of Loyalty and Care
Ms Duncan-Glancy explained her actions stem from 'loyalty and care,' values she believes make her a good representative. 'I was providing support to a highly vulnerable person,' she said, acknowledging that not everyone would understand her reasons. She expressed gratitude for the support received from constituents, colleagues, family, friends, and strangers, and reaffirmed her commitment to continuing her work, including casework for constituents, as she winds down her office.
Leadership's Stance and Broader Implications
Anas Sarwar outlined the progressive disciplinary steps taken: 'I sacked Pam Duncan-Glancy when I became aware of the situation, I sacked her from the shadow cabinet. When I asked her questions that she was not able to give me appropriate answers to, I removed her as a candidate going into this election. And now that we have an investigation, when new information has come to light, in light of that investigation, the whip has been withdrawn.'
This incident coincides with the suspension of Keir Starmer's longstanding communications chief from the Labour whip in the House of Lords, after it emerged he had campaigned on behalf of Sean Morton. These developments highlight ongoing scrutiny within the party regarding associations with individuals convicted of serious sexual offences.
Ms Duncan-Glancy concluded by emphasising her pride in being the first permanent wheelchair user in the Scottish Parliament and her unwavering fight for a better world, vowing to 'keep fighting for a better Scotland and a better world for all' beyond her current term.
