Pam Duncan-Glancy, the Scottish Labour MSP and shadow education spokesperson, has resigned from her position following revelations about her ongoing friendship with convicted sex offender Sean Morton. The situation came to light when the Daily Record approached Scottish Labour regarding the nature of their relationship, raising significant concerns over Duncan-Glancy’s judgement.
Sean Morton, a former councillor for Moray, confessed in 2017 to possessing indecent images involving minors and animals. As part of his sentencing, he received a community payback order, a three-year supervision order, and was placed on the sex offenders register. Despite Morton’s criminal history, sources indicate that he and Duncan-Glancy remained close friends, recently celebrating her birthday with dinner and drinks, suggesting their continued contact.
The fallout from this relationship has led to serious scrutiny of Duncan-Glancy’s judgment, particularly given her prominent role as a representative in a party that emphasizes child protection and ethical standards. A source close to the situation described it as troubling, noting that it is difficult to reconcile the friendship with the responsibilities of an MSP, especially when child protection issues are paramount in the political discourse.
In her resignation letter to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Duncan-Glancy expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging a “serious lapse in professional judgement.” She stated, “It is no longer tenable for me to continue to serve in my current role,” emphasizing her commitment to the party’s vision for Scotland’s future despite stepping down.
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Sarwar responded, thanking her for her decision and acknowledging the hard work she had contributed during her time as an MSP. He reaffirmed Duncan-Glancy’s efforts in representing her constituents and holding the Scottish National Party government to account.
While Duncan-Glancy resigns from her role in the shadow cabinet, she retains her position as an MSP. Following her resignation, Paul O’Kane has been appointed as Scottish Labour’s new shadow cabinet secretary for education and equalities, while Claire Baker will take on responsibilities for social security.
The relationship between Duncan-Glancy and Morton has been characterized by a deep bond, as Morton previously described her as an inspiration and a lifelong friend. In a speech at a Labour conference in 2015, he highlighted their shared experiences from childhood through their political journeys. However, following Morton’s conviction, he attempted to mitigate the situation by claiming that the indecent images had been sent to him anonymously, expressing regret over his online interactions.
Sheriff Chris Dickson, who presided over Morton’s case, emphasized the severity of the charges, underscoring the implications of creating a market for child abuse imagery. Duncan-Glancy’s resignation marks a significant moment for Scottish Labour, calling into question how personal relationships and professional accountability intersect in a public service context.
