Colin Smyth Faces Indecent Images Charge

Download IPFS

Colin Smyth, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for South Scotland, has been arrested and charged in connection with the possession of indecent images. Police Scotland detained the 52-year-old on 5 August 2025 following the execution of a warrant at a property in Dumfries. Smyth is expected to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date.

Smyth, who has served as an MSP since 2016 and was re-elected in 2021, has been suspended from the Scottish Labour Party pending the outcome of the investigation. The Scottish Parliament website now lists him as an independent MSP. A Labour spokesperson confirmed that the party’s whip has been withdrawn while inquiries are ongoing.

Police Scotland confirmed the arrest and charge, citing the active nature of the investigation and providing no further details. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has received a standard prosecution report and will oversee legal proceedings.

Smyth has previously held senior roles within Scottish Labour, including general secretary from 2008 to 2012, and frontbench positions, most recently as spokesperson for rural affairs until April 2023. He had also been selected as the Labour candidate for the Dumfriesshire constituency in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

The case has drawn public attention due to Smyth’s profile and longstanding involvement in Scottish politics. He continues to represent his constituents as an independent MSP, though his political future remains uncertain pending the outcome of the investigation. Authorities have urged anyone with information to assist police as inquiries continue.