Glasgow North MP Patrick Grady has SNP whip restored following misconduct ban

An SNP MP who was suspended from the House of Commons for misconduct has had the party whip restored.

Patrick Grady had his membership removed after a panel found he made a sexual advance to a teenage member of staff at a social event in Folgate Street in London in October 2016.

Following an investigation, the Glasgow North MP was given a two-day ban from the Commons in June after it was ruled he had engaged in “unwanted physical touching” which involved stroking the neck, hair and back of a colleague 17 years his junior.

He told his fellow MPs he was “profoundly sorry” for his behaviour.

The SNP confirmed on Thursday that a six-month suspension from the party had expired, and Grady will join the party’s group in the Commons again – now under the leadership of Stephen Flynn who took over from Ian Blackford earlier in December.

A spokesperson for the party said: “Following a six-month suspension, Patrick Grady has resumed his membership of the SNP.”

Both Nicola Sturgeon and former SNP Westminster leader Blackford faced questions over how the allegations were handled after scathing criticism from the victim.

The Scottish Conservatives said the party should have “sacked Patrick Grady for good”, adding that Sturgeon “should be ashamed of herself”.

Tory MSP Annie Wells said: “It’s disgraceful that Patrick Grady has got away with little more than a slap on the wrist.

“His belated resignation back in June was already far too little, too late. The fact that he has now been welcomed back into the Westminster fold after just a few short months is a slap in the face to his victim.

“Ian Blackford’s shameful decision to back Grady, rather than his victim, was the main reason cited for SNP MPs toppling him as Westminster leader. Yet now his spineless successor Stephen Flynn has happily invited Grady to rejoin the fold.

“Nicola Sturgeon is equally culpable in this craven decision – and should be ashamed of herself for giving this the green light.

“If the SNP had any integrity at all, they would have sacked Patrick Grady for good. By welcoming him back with open arms, they have only demonstrated that sexual harassment is acceptable within their party.”

“The SNP have betrayed all those who have suffered sexual harassment and bullying – and made it far less likely that any future victims come forward.”