Labour MSP suspended over links to sex offender says he was 'family'
The former Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy has spoken out for the first time over her relationship with Sean Morton
An MSP suspended from Labour over her relationship with a convicted sex offender has said he was “for all intents and purposes family”.
Pam Duncan-Glancy has spoken for the first time since having the whip removed over her close links to Sean Morton.
Ms Duncan-Glancy has said the disgraced former Labour Moray councillor lived with her family when they were children.
She has stood by her decision to maintain a relationship with him, adding that he was “highly vulnerable”.
The now-independent MSP said: “When he was convicted of these very serious crimes, the justice system rightly dealt with him.
“I have never condoned his crimes and have always been clear that his actions were wrong.
“He, however, was and remains someone requiring support, and my family and I, as if often the case, ensured his welfare.
“There is no doubt this is difficult.
“I accept that not everyone will understand my reasons for doing what I did.”
A source close to the family told The Scotsman that Morton had resided with Ms Duncan-Glancy’s family from childhood in an informal kinship care arrangement.
They said: “Sean was like a brother to Pamela. They were very close and he was a huge support to her at school.
“You can see why, when there is a pseudo-sibling relationship there, that she has stayed by his side.”
In a statement, Ms Duncan-Glancy added that the Labour decision to remove the whip had not yet been explained to her.
She added: “I am deeply disappointed that the party have taken the decision to remove the whip.
“My personal relationship with someone who grew up with me, who stayed with my family for periods of time during our childhood, and who is to all intents and purposes my family, has never affected my work.
“My actions arise from loyalty and care. I was providing support to a highly vulnerable person.
“Loyalty and care are values I think make me a good representative and for which I believe others know me for.
“I am also hugely grateful for the outpouring of support.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar had consistently maintained that the whip would not be removed from the Glasgow list MSP before the Holyrood parliament dissolves in March.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Mr Sarwar said: "I sacked Pam Duncan-Glancy when I became aware of the situation, I sacked her from the shadow cabinet.
"When I asked her questions that she was not able to give me appropriate answers to, I removed her as a candidate going into this election."