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A senior Tory MSP has called for the Parliamentary Standards Commission to investigate Western Isles MP Angus Macneil's use of hotel expenses.

Jackson Carlaw, deputy leader of the Scottish Tories, called for the probe following tabloid newspaper allegations that Mr Macneil had a relationship with political journalist, Serena Cowdy.

Ms Cowdy also claimed to be later involved with SNP deputy leader Stewart Hosie.

This week, Mr Hosie, 53, and his wife Shona Robison, the Scottish health secretary, announced they were separating.

Parliamentary watchdog asked to probe MP's alleged hotel tryst expenses

 

19 May 2016  

Newspapers alleged Ms Cowdy was a regular guest of Mr Macneil's at a London hotel.

MPs are not required to disclose details of guests to parliamentary authorities.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon she was not aware of "evidence whatsoever of any breach of parliamentary expenses rules."

She added: "Even politicians are entitled to a private life."

Jackson Carlaw queried if rules of conduct were breached.

Writing to Kathryn Hudson, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, Mr Carlaw he said: "I am writing to ask you to investigate reports that two serving members of parliament used accommodation allowance to conduct affairs with a political journalist.

"The MPs in question are Angus MacNeil and Stewart Hosie, and it has been alleged in several media reports that they conducted their respective affairs in accommodation or hotels paid for by the tax payer."

A SNP spokesperson stated: “Angus MacNeil’s accommodation has nothing to do with it. To suggest any financial impropriety is totally wrong.”

Angus Macneil said: “I don’t like to comment on my personal life or related tabloid stories, but my marriage sadly ended for very different reasons to what has been suggested.

“A journalist from a broadsheet told me to weather the tabloid storm best I can, frankly it feels like an awful personal invasion, where tabloids treat you like a commodity disregarding effects on children especially.

“However, there are many people in worse situations than me and I have many things to be grateful for.

“On the plus side at times like this you see the decency of normal, sensible people.

“It has been a challenging week in which I am continuing to do my job and keep appointments as planned.”