MSP Colin Smyth has been charged with allegedly putting a secret camera in the Scottish Parliament toilets.
Last week, it emerged that the senior Scottish Labour member, 52, who has been suspended by the party, had been charged in connection with possessing indecent child images.
AlamyColin Smyth is currently suspended by Scottish Labour after being charged by cops[/caption]
GettyThe senior politician has been barred from the Scottish Parliament building[/caption]
Officers searched Smyth’s home earlier this monthGetty
He was arrested on August 5 in Dumfries before later being discharged by police.
The Scottish Sun understands Mr Smyth has been charged over allegedly hiding a camera in the Scottish Parliament toilets.
Asked about the new details tonight, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Tuesday, 5 August, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a property in Dumfries and a 52-year-old man was arrested and charged as part of an ongoing investigation.
“He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date.”
Smyth has also been barred from the Scottish Parliament building following a decision by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body.
An email sent this evening from Scottish Parliament chief executive David Gill to all MSPS read: “You will be aware of the serious criminal charges brought against Colin Smyth MSP.
“With Police Scotland’s investigation ongoing, the SPCB has this evening taken the decision to deactivate Mr Smyth’s parliamentary security pass.
“We recognise the nature of the criminal charges and the ongoing investigation may be upsetting for colleagues and cause distress.
“We would therefore like to remind everyone who works at Holyrood or in constituency offices of the confidential support services that are available.”
A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “Given the ongoing criminal investigation, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) took the decision this evening to deactivate Colin Smyth’s parliamentary pass.
“We have informed all building users at Holyrood.”
Earlier this month, police searched the politician’s home in Dumfries.
Smyth’s mobile phone and computer were inspected by officers.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Swift action was taken after we became aware of these serious allegations. Colin Smyth MSP is an independent MSP.
“We cannot comment further on these deeply concerning developments while legal proceedings are ongoing.”
Last week, Smyth released a statement saying: “These events have come as a shock and this is a deeply stressful time.
“I am obviously co-operating 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 for the privacy of my family and friends to be respected.”
A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “A standard prosecution report has been received by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service from Police Scotland in relation to a 52-year-old man.”
Smyth was first elected as an MSP in 2016 and returned to Holyrood again at the 2021 election.
The Scottish Parliament website now lists him as an Independent.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
