Scottish Labour education spokeswoman quits over friendship with convicted sex offender

Pam Duncan-Glancy was accused of a “serious error of judgement” by party leader Anas Sarwar as she quit the role.

The MSP has links to former councillor Sean Morton who was placed on the sex offenders register for three years in 2017.

Morton had pleased guilty to possessing indecent pictures of girls under 15 and of a couple having sex with a dog.

The Daily Record reports that Ms Duncan-Glancy’s letter of resignation states: "I am writing today to formally resign, with immediate effect, from my position as Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Member for Education and Skills.”

She went on to describe the role as the “privilege of a lifetime”.

The letter went on: ”However, recent stories about relationships in my personal life have made clear a serious lapse in professional judgement.

"I recognise that, as a direct consequence of this failure, it is no longer tenable for me to continue to serve in my current role.

"I will do everything I can to support you and your leadership going forward."

In response, Mr Sarwar wrote: "You have acknowledged a serious error of judgement.

“However, you have acted and taken the appropriate decision, and I thank you for that.

“You can be proud of the contribution you have made in this role."

Morton was a Labour rising star on Moray Council when he was given a community payback order that included 140 hours of unpaid work.

He also received a three-year supervision order and was placed on the sex offenders register for three years.

Morton and Ms Duncan-Glancy have been life-long friends and a source close to the Glasgow politician told the Record she was supporting him to rehabilitate his life.

Ms Duncan-Glancy’s resignation is as education spokesperson, not as an MSP.

MSP Paul O’Kane has been appointed Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education and Equalities.

MSP Claire Baker becomes Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Social Security.

In 2015, Morton made a speech at a Labour conference during which he spoke about his close bond with Duncan-Glancy.

He said: “She's an inspiration to me and to many people in this party. I grew up with Pam.

“We went to school together in the village that I now represent as a councillor. We were at a school, this school.

“A couple of geeks sitting in the corner, we struck up a conversation, and 24 years later, it's still going on.

“Every step we have made in life, we have made together. We left school together. We went to university together. We joined the Labour Party together.

“We are on our journey together.”

Sheriff Chris Dickson told Morton after his sentencing: “These are serious charges.

“By viewing indecent images you are creating a demand for the abuse and suffering of the children depicted.”