New MSP slated over Holyrood blog photos

SCOTLAND'S newest parliamentarian has got into trouble – before she has even been sworn in as an MSP.

Anne McLaughlin, who is due to become the latest addition to the SNP group at Holyrood tomorrow, has been criticised for taking secret pictures of politicians around Holyrood and posting them on her blog.

Ms McLaughlin, 42, is due to replace the Glasgow MSP Bashir Ahmad, who died last week of a heart attack.

She already works in the parliament, as a researcher to SNP MSP Bob Doris, and it was while working at Holyrood that she took the pictures and posted them on her blog, Indygal.

Her photos, taken on the day MSPs threw out the Budget last month, are accompanied by mocking captions.

One shows the Green MSP Patrick Harvie apparently talking to one of the his party's researchers in the Garden Lobby of the parliament.

Labour's Margaret Curran demanded Ms McLaughlin make an apology to parliament.

She said: "On one level, this behaviour is simply childish. But there is a more serious undercurrent. It is unfair and devious and shows a lack of respect."

A Tory spokesman said: "It's not a smart start. It is not a smart way to win friends and influence people. We may be political foes, but there has to be a degree of trust between staff and MSPs for the place to function."

The SNP defended its new MSP. Brian Adam, its chief whip, said: "Anne McLaughlin has every respect for the parliament. MSPs are not known for being media shy and Anne's efforts to engage people in the political process through her blog have won her many supporters."