Chairman Must Resign Over Threatening Behaviour

Banff and Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has this evening withdrawn from proceedings of the Scottish Affairs Select Committee over inappropriate and unacceptable conduct by the committee chairman.

During a meeting of the Scottish Affairs Select Committee on Wednesday 19 October, comments of an unacceptable and inappropriate nature were made by the committee chairman, Ian Davidson MP, to Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP.

After the meeting had concluded Mr Davidson approached Dr Whiteford and clarified to her that his earlier remarks about "getting a doing” were not intended to be taken as a sexual threat. He also indicated that another Member of the committee had passed a note to him relating to the appropriateness of his comments.

Dr Whiteford has withdrawn her membership of the committee until Mr Davidson resigns as chairman.

Commenting on her decision, Dr Whiteford said:

“Threats and intimidation of this nature are unacceptable under any circumstances. It is never appropriate to threaten to give a woman 'a doing'.

“If people in my position are not prepared to stand up against aggressive and threatening behaviour, then people who face this kind of conduct in their homes and workplaces will continue to think the perpetrators can get away with it.

“I do not believe this behaviour is compatible with the position of Chair of a Select Committee, and therefore I have withdrawn from the Committee while Mr Davidson remains in his role as chair.”