Alex Cole-Hamilton's foul mouthed attack has no place in politics - Angus Robertson

Edinburgh Western deserves a member of the Scottish Parliament that doesn’t verbally abuse women. If you haven’t yet seen the shocking behaviour by Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton, he was caught on camera apparently swearing “F*** Off Maree” to female MSP colleague Maree Todd.

Alex Cole-Hamilton

Without the grace or sense to apologise it took growing pressure on social media to issue a statement of sorts. Instead of saying “I’m sorry. I had a really bad day. It was totally out of character and apologise unreservedly”, he made things worse by pushing the blame on others. In a churlish tweet to Maree Todd he said: “Hands up, I lost my temper here. I was frustrated by your government backsliding on children’s rights once again (as long-grassing UNCRC incorporation would have been). Nevertheless I muttered something under my breath that I shouldn’t have and I apologise”.

Believe it or not Alex Cole-Hamilton is the deputy convenor of the Scottish Parliament Equalities and Human Rights Committee. He is also a vocal member of the Holyrood committee looking at how abuse allegations by woman were investigated. I can’t think of an MSP less qualified to do either job with credibility having launched such a foul-mouthed attack on a female colleague.

Verbally assaulting women is not “liberal” nor is telling political rivals to “F*** off” the behaviour of a mature democrat. The fact that the Liberal Democrats have nothing to add about their MSP’s behaviour speaks volumes. Edinburgh Western deserves a better MSP and they can vote for one on the 6 May.