One of the SNP’s longest serving activists has quit the party following claims that the party has not taken complaints about a North Ayrshire MSP seriously.

Dr Malcolm Kerr, an Arran GP, joined the party in 1964. Last week he resigned his membership ahead of the party conference as confusion reigns over an investigation into bullying at the branch.

Former Holyrood candidate and senior party official, Dr Kerr believes the party ‘has a duty of care’ to those who have made multiple complaints over the conduct of Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson.

These allegations include assault claims, which remain outstanding after more than two years.

Speaking to the Herald, Dr Kerr said: “In my half century as an SNP member, I’ve learned the need for pragmatism and compromise in politics.

However, I can no longer square my conscience with continuing membership of the SNP.

“I’ve spent my entire adult life fighting undeserved privilege, and sometimes, silence is not an option.

“In 2019, as an elected constituency official, I was approached by party volunteers, seeking help with claims of bullying and harassment by Kenneth Gibson.

“Some 21 local office-bearers then wrote to Peter Murrell, who is SNP CEO and husband of Nicola Sturgeon, outlining the problems and seeking support within the party’s member conduct rules.

“The matter entered the public domain when it became apparent that the SNP had no intention of intervening, despite commissioning the collection of a dozen detailed statements via a solicitor advocate engaged to address the SNP’s ‘#MeToo’ issues.”

Dr Kerr claimed: “Complaints included harrowing descriptions of bullying and harassment by Mr Gibson, misuse of Scottish Parliament resources, and three alleged assaults on women.”

It is unclear if an internal investigation has taken place into the complaints.

Over the last six months, contradictory statements have appeared in local and national press.

In November 2020, the Herald reported that Mr Gibson’s wife, MP Patricia Gibson, announced there was no investigation into her husband following a statement by SNP National Secretary Angus MacLeod.

However, speaking to our sister paper Largs and Millport News in May, Mr Gibson said: “These preposterous allegations have become increasingly ludicrous with each retelling.

"The SNP has found them to be categorically untrue.”

Dr Kerr does not feel there has been any clarity of the result of the investigation, or if the investigation has even occurred in the first place.

He continued: “I believe Mr Gibson is not fit for public office, and you should suspend him now to allow a mature investigation to proceed.”

Kenneth Gibson and the SNP were approached for comment but did not respond in time for our deadline.