A Scottish MSP has been arrested and charged in connection with possession of indecent images.

Colin Smyth, who has represented South Scotland since 2016, was arrested on Tuesday, resulting in his immediate suspension from Scottish Labour. He is due to appear in court at a later date.

The Scottish parliament website now lists Smyth as an independent.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “On Tuesday 5 August 2025, officers executed a warrant at a property [in] Dumfries. A 52-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with possession of indecent images. He is due to appear at Dumfries sheriff court at a later date.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Labour confirmed that the whip had been removed from Smyth, pending an investigation. “We cannot comment further on this matter while the investigation is ongoing,” the spokesperson added.

Smyth issued a statement on Wednesday, saying: “These events have come as a shock and this is a deeply stressful time. I am obviously cooperating fully with any inquiries and hope the matter can be resolved quickly.

“I am not able to comment further at this stage, and in the meantime I would ask for the privacy of my family and friends to be respected.”

Smyth was first elected as an MSP in 2016 and previously served as Scottish Labour’s general secretary. He nominated Anas Sarwar in the 2021 Scottish Labour leadership election and was later appointed spokesperson for constitution, Europe and external affairs.