Bangladeshi-Origin Scottish MP Faisal Suspended from Labour Party

Darwin, September 30 –  Bangladeshi-origin Scottish Parliament member (MSP) Faisal Choudhury has been temporarily suspended from the Labour Party over allegations of “unacceptable conduct.”

Since 2021, he has represented Lothians as a Labour MSP in the Scottish Parliament. Pending the outcome of an internal party investigation, he will continue to sit in parliament as an independent.

A Labour Party spokesperson said:
“Labour takes all complaints seriously. All allegations are thoroughly investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken.”

Commenting on Choudhury’s suspension, SNP MP Kirsty Blackman urged Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to clarify why yet another Labour MSP had to be suspended.

Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader Rachael Hamilton said the turmoil, coming just before the Labour Party conference, was proof of “complete chaos” within the party.
She added:
“Labour should be as transparent as possible about what has happened.”

In response to Blackman’s remarks, Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the SNP’s language was “deeply concerning.” Speaking on BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Show, he argued:
“I don’t think they understand the independent complaints process and safeguarding matters.”

Addressing the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Sarwar confirmed that the party’s independent complaints body had concluded there was “sufficient need for investigation,” and that Mr. Choudhury would remain suspended during the process.

Faisal Choudhury, of Bangladeshi heritage, is also Chairman of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council. He is Vice Chairman and a founding director of the multicultural cultural festival Edinburgh Mela.

Source: BBC Bangla