Exclusive:Suspended Lothian Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury says he could be victim of a conspiracy
Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury, who was suspended by Labour in September over an unspecified allegation, believes he could be the victim of a conspiracy by people who don’t want him to stand again.
And he has made a direct appeal to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar for the chance to clear his name.
Nearly six months on from his suspension, Mr Choudhury has still not been given details of the complaint against him and has not been asked to answer any accusation.
But he says he is already being punished because his suspension means he is banned from standing as Labour for re-election to the Scottish Parliament in the May elections.
Mr Choudhury - Scotland’s first Bangladeshi MSP - said: “I have worked in business and the voluntary sector for over 30 years with an excellent reputation and was awarded an MBE for my community work. For nearly five years I have served as an active and hardworking MSP, during which no complaints were raised against me.
“The allegation was made soon after I was democratically selected as candidate for Edinburgh Northern. I think it could be a conspiracy to make sure I'm not a candidate.
“During my selection, when I was campaigning, some people were saying 'Why are you putting your name forward for Edinburgh Northern? Why don't you just go for the list?'
“I don't think any other MSP was challenged as much as I was - there were more than 11 people interested in that seat. I live in Edinburgh Northern, I've lived all my life in that area and I did feel I could win that seat.”
Reports have suggested the complaint came from a female Labour staffer at Holyrood who had accused him of harassment.
But Mr Choudhury said: “Today, I remain in exactly the same position as I was at the end of September last year when I was suspended from the Labour Party. In nearly six months, I have not been provided with any clear particulars of any allegation. I have not been asked a single question. I have not been given any opportunity to defend myself or to clear my name.”
He said his own team at the parliament had not changed since he started as an MSP in 2021 and they were all "very supportive".
Mr Choudhury said: “I haven't done anything wrong. I know I have done nothing wrong. There is no police investigation, there has been no complaint to the parliament.
“If there is a case against me, then let me hear what it is. I am asking for full disclosure of the allegation and for the opportunity to respond. I will make myself available for any hearing, cross-examination, or discussion required. I have nothing to hide and am fully confident that I will be cleared.”
He said despite the situation, he had continued to serve diligently as a Lothian MSP. “My staff have stood by me. I continue to deal with casework, speak in debates, and ask questions in the Scottish Parliament. I have carried out my responsibilities with the same commitment and integrity as I always have.
“However, the personal impact has been devastating. Since September, my life and that of my family has been a living nightmare. My mental and physical health have suffered severely. I barely sleep. The uncertainty has caused unbearable anxiety for my family. I am regularly attending medical appointments due to stress and sleep loss.”
And he said he had had to have extra security after threats on social media following publicity over his suspension. “Some of them were even putting my home address and saying 'Let's go and get him'. I have reported everything to the police.”
Mr Choudhury said the complaints process of the Labour Party’s Governance and Legal Unit stated that it should be fair to both the complainant and the accused. “I do not believe that has happened in my case. I have effectively been treated as though I am guilty, without ever being informed of what I am accused of.
“Even those accused of criminal offences are told the case against them as part of due process. Where is the natural justice here? The absence of clarity has left me exposed to rumour and abuse on social media, without any opportunity to defend myself.”
Mr Choudhury said he remained loyal to the Labour party and said it broke his heart that for the first time in 30 years, he was unable to campaign for Labour.
He said: “I want to see the party win. I want to see Anas Sarwar become First Minister.
“I therefore appeal directly to Anas Sarwar, as leader of the Scottish Labour Party, to ensure that the process is fair, transparent, and concluded without further delay. I am not asking him to influence the outcome of any complaint process, only to ensure it is resolved properly and swiftly. All I am asking for is the opportunity to clear my name.”
A Scottish Labour spokesperson said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously. "They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken.”
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