Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth charged over possession of indecent images

A Scottish Labour MSP has been charged by police in connection with possession of indecent images.

Colin Smyth has been suspended by the Scottish Labour party on Wednesday after officers raided a property and arrested him.

The 52-year-old is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court.

In a statement, Smyth said: “These events have come as a shock, and this is a deeply stressful time. I am obviously cooperating 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 Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a property on Marchfield Avenue, Dumfries.

“A 52-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with possession of indecent images. He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date.”

A Labour Party Spokesperson said: “The whip has been removed from Colin Smyth MSP, pending an investigation. We cannot comment further on this matter while the investigation is ongoing.”

STV News understands that Smyth was administratively suspended from the Labour Party after it became aware of the police investigation.

Smyth has been MSP for South Scotland region since he was elected in 2016, and he was re-elected in 2021.

He was central to securing a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the physical, mental, and sexual abuse of women at Fornethy House in Angus.