Humza Yousaf will campaign alongside whoever the candidates are in next year’s election, despite controversy over SNP MP’s re-selection

Humza Yousaf, a member of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has stated that he will campaign alongside whoever the candidates are at next year’s election.

This comes as Patrick Grady, an MP for Glasgow North who was suspended after being found to have acted inappropriately towards a party staffer, seeks re-selection.

Despite spending six months as an independent last year following an investigation by parliamentary authorities, reports suggest that Grady is seeking re-selection for his seat.

Mr Grady was suspended from the House of Commons for two days and apologised in Parliament for his behaviour, expressing profound regret for his actions and their consequences.

When asked whether he would be comfortable campaigning alongside Mr Grady, given that he is likely to take a leading role in the general election, First Minister Yousaf said that he would campaign with whoever the candidates are, provided they have been assessed and cleared by the local constituency party.

However, Mr Yousaf hinted that it was not a foregone conclusion that Grady would win re-selection.

He said that Grady would have to go through the vetting process like any other candidate and that his conduct and behaviour would be assessed during that process.

The local constituency would also have to determine whether or not he is the appropriate candidate, even if he is assessed.

The investigation into Grady found that he had acted inappropriately towards a teenage party staffer at an SNP event in London.

The victim heavily criticised how the complaint was subsequently handled, stating that his life was made a “living hell” and he had been made to feel as though it was his fault.

Yousaf acknowledges that the conduct and behaviour of every candidate who goes forward for a general election will be taken into account.

Yousaf’s stance appears to be that he will campaign for the party’s candidates, regardless of their individual circumstances, but he also acknowledges the importance of the vetting process and the local constituency’s decision-making power.

His comments demonstrate a commitment to holding all candidates accountable for their behaviour and conduct.