Victim of sex pest MP Patrick Grady blasts SNP over decision to allow him back into party

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The victim of sex pest MP Patrick Grady has blasted the SNP’s “brazen” decision to allow him back into the party after six months.The former SNP staffer, who was 19 at the time of the sexual harassment, said he had not been told in advance of the decision.He said: “I’ve paid the price for raising complaints with my career while the perpetrator has been allowed back into the fold.“It is an attempt to silence future victims and fuels the boys’ club atmosphere within the SNP.”Grady was found by the Westminster authorities to have made unwanted sexual advances to the then teenager in 2016 by touching and stroking his hair, back and neck.He was ordered to make a public apology in the Commons, as well as a private one to the victim.It was confirmed today after a story in the Times that the Glasgow North MP had resumed his party membership after a six month suspension.Speaking to the Record, the victim said: “To have this come out today is quite a shock.

My concerns over staff welfare within the SNP continue and I sincerely hope future victims will not feel scared to come forward as a result.“From the start I’ve called out the SNP's protection of people like Patrick Grady and how supporting them goes against the ethos of the party. “The ICGS upheld my complaints of sexual harassment I received when I was a teenager, yet the harasser has been allowed back into his role while I was forced out of mine.” The handling of Grady’s sexual misconduct is believed to have played a role in the resignation of Ian Blackford as SNP leader of the Commons.A leaked recording showed him urging colleagues to show support for Grady while failing to mention the victim.