The victim, who was inappropriately touched by SNP MP Patrick Grady at a party in 2016, told Sky News: “Ian’s position is unfounded at the moment and will continue to be so. It will only get worse.” He added: “Ian always says that he wants to achieve independence and that is his main goal, at the moment he is not doing the favor of the independence movement by remaining in his position. “It’s time to leave.” Mr Blackford came under pressure after a recording was leaked in which he encouraged his colleagues to support Mr Grady, the perpetrator of the harassment case. In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, SNP leader Westminster apologized for the “completely unacceptable” behavior of the victim. Announced the launch of an external review of staff support. Mr Grady said he was “deeply saddened” by his behavior after he was found to have violated parliament’s policy of sexual misconduct. Criticism has also focused on Mr Blackford’s initial handling of the case. Image: SNP MP Patrick Grady says he deeply regrets his behavior According to the victim, when the allegations first appeared, Blackford called him to his office in Westminster without any warning about what the meeting was about. He told Sky News: “He just called me on my personal cell phone and asked me to go up to his desk. When I got there, Patrick was sitting on the couch desk crying. Ian asked me to sit down and then Patrick started apologizing for this incident about a year ago. “I mean, I was 19 or 20 at the time of this meeting. Entering the office of the party leader in Westminster is quite intimidating. “They made me feel guilty in this situation. I felt bad for him in this situation, looking back was absurd, but at that moment I felt I had no choice but to apologize and to be honest, I was afraid that they would affect my career. “And honestly, since everything that has come out since then, I was right to be afraid of it because that is exactly what happened.” Scottish Shadow Secretary Ian Murray became the last political opponent to ask Blackford to consider his position. He said: “Ian Blackford’s apology or not yesterday was essentially a victim charge and he only did it because one of his team recorded the meeting where everyone was supporting Patrick Grady. “If we want to try to find a way to change the culture in politics, in Westminster and in society at large, then those in leadership positions have to take responsibility – and I think he really has to look at his position.” Mr Murray warned that the SNP’s handling of the incident could prevent other victims from filing complaints in the future. Mr Blackford said in a statement on Wednesday night: “As the head of SNP Westminster, I have a duty to take care of all our staff. It never happened, I’m sorry it happened. “Staff must have full confidence that the team is taking complaints seriously. In this case, the Independent Complaints and Appeals System has investigated what happened. We respect and accept this independent process.” Sky News contacted Mr. Blackford for a comment on his handling of the case, as analyzed by Mr. Grady’s victim.
