Blackford quits after anger over sex pest probe

Sturgeon puts embattled MP into new indy business role

- PETER DAVIDSON

IAN Blackford has quit as the SNP's Westminster leader after facing criticism over his handling of a sexual harassment complaint.

The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber will not be seeking re-election at the party's AGM which is due to be held next week.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon thanked the 61-year-old for his service since taking over from Angus Robertson following his defeat in the 2017 general election.

His leadership has been called into question over the course of the last 12 months after the Daily Record revealed a young staffer had made sexual harassment claims against SNP MP Patrick Grady.