SNP MSP Sandra White today welcomed Frank McAveety's decision to resign his post as Convener of the Petitions Committee as she questioned Iain Gray's lack of action on the issue.

Ms White, a former member of the Petitions Committee said: "Frank McAveety's comments were utterly inappropriate and he has done the right thing by resigning, it's just a shame his party leader does not seem to know what that is."

"Iain Gray's failure to take action or to show any leadership demonstrates his appalling lack of judgement or awareness of the serious issues raised."

"This episode is a sorry re-run of Iain Gray's misguided defence of Moray Labour candidate Stuart MacLennan's tweets.  Iain Gray should have taken action yesterday as soon as this matter came to light."