In Scotland, Mark McDonald, the minister for childcare and early years from the Scottish National Party, apologised and said behaviour he had thought might be ‘humorous’ or ‘friendly’ had made people uncomfortable.
In a statement, Mr McDonald said, ‘It has been brought to my attention that some of my previous actions have been considered to be inappropriate – where I have believed myself to have been merely humorous or attempting to be friendly, my behaviour might have made others uncomfortable or led them to question my intentions.
‘My behaviour is entirely my responsibility and I apologise unreservedly to anyone I have upset or who might have found my behaviour inappropriate.
‘In light of my position in government, I believe it would not be appropriate for me to continue to serve in my role in the Scottish Government at this time and I have tendered my resignation as a minister.
‘I hope that in taking this step neither any particular woman or my family will be the focus of undue and unwarranted scrutiny.
‘It has been an honour to serve in the Scottish Government and I will continue to serve my constituents in Aberdeen Donside to the best of my ability.’
Wales
Carl Sergeant said he resigned as cabinet secretary for communities and children in the Welsh Government, after allegations regarding his misconduct were made.
However, First Minister Carwyn Jones said that he had been removed from his post pending an investigation. Mr Sargeant has asked for an independent inquiry to clear his name.
A Welsh Labour spokesman said, ‘Carl Sargeant has been suspended from party membership, and therefore the Labour whip in the National Assembly for Wales, while an investigation into allegations received takes place.’
The suspension happened shortly before the First Minister was expected to embark on a cabinet reshuffle.
The new minister for children and social care was named as Huw Irranca-Davies. The minister for Welsh language and lifelong learning is now Eluned Morgan.
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), said, ‘We look forward to meeting and working with the new ministers.
‘This is a crucial time for the sector in both Wales and Scotland as they work towards extending funded childcare, with pilots ongoing. The new ministers in both nations will need to get up to speed quickly with all the issues and challenges facing the sector. They will need to work with and engage with the sector to support providers to prepare for this new offer to parents.’
