Politician put 'secret camera in parliament toilet' before suspension over indecent images

A politician has been charged amid allegations of a covert camera being installed in the toilets of the Scottish Parliament.

Last week, it was disclosed that Labour MSP Colin Smyth had been suspended from his party following charges related to possession of indecent images.

It has now emerged that Smyth is also facing charges for allegedly placing a camera in a lavatory within the Scottish Parliament building in Holyrood, according to the Daily Record.

Smyth, from Dumfries, was apprehended after Police Scotland officers conducted a search of his residence on August 5. His mobile phone and computer were subsequently searched. He is now due to appear in court regarding these charges after a report was submitted to the prosecution.

Initial reports suggested that Smyth was found possessing images of children. Further details about activities at the Holyrood building, which are part of an "ongoing investigation", only came to light this week.

When questioned by the Record about the video camera allegations, Police Scotland stated: "On Tuesday, 5 August, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a property in Dumfries and a 52-year-old man was arrested and charged as part of an ongoing investigation.

"He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date."

The force had previously mentioned that a warrant had been executed at a property in Dumfries, adding: "A 52-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with possession of indecent images."

David McGill, the parliament's chief executive, wrote to MSPs on Thursday evening saying Smyth's pass had been deactivated.

His message reads: "You will be aware of the serious criminal charges brought against Colin Smyth MSP. With Police Scotland's investigation ongoing, the SPCB has this evening taken the decision to deactivate Mr Smyth's parliamentary security pass.

"We recognise the nature of the criminal charges and the ongoing investigation may be upsetting for colleagues and cause distress. We would therefore like to remind everyone who works at Holyrood or in constituency offices of the confidential support services that are available."

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: "Given the ongoing criminal investigation, the SPCB took the decision this evening to deactivate Colin Smyth's parliamentary pass. We have informed all building users at Holyrood."

Married dad Smyth is a former councillor who first entered Holyrood as an MSP at the 2016 election after being returned on the South Scotland regional list.

He served as Scottish Labour transport spokesman under the leadership of Richard Leonard.

Smyth held various roles after Anas Sarwar replaced Leonard as Scottish Labour leader, including as the party's spokesman on the constitution and external affairs.

The MSP is a former general secretary of Scottish Labour, holding the post from 2008 to 2012.

A Labour spokesman said: "Swift action was taken after we became aware of these serious allegations. Colin Smyth MSP is an independent MSP.

"We cannot comment further on these deeply concerning developments while legal proceedings are ongoing."

Smyth said in a statement last week: "These events have come as a shock and this is a deeply stressful time. I am obviously co-operating fully with any inquiries and hope the matter can be resolved quickly."

He is now listed as an independent on the Holyrood website.