Brian Leishman rules out joining the SNP or Jeremy Corbyn's new party after Labour suspension
Brian Leishman has ruled out joining the SNP or Jeremy Corbyn's new party after his Labour suspension.
The Alloa and Grangemouth MP said he is "committed rock solid to the Labour Party" and wants the whip back.
He said Labour is "where my political home is" and that it is "the vehicle for positive change in the country."
The Record revealed on Wednesday that Leishman had been suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party.
He "lost the whip" for opposing government policy, alongside comments made in the House of Commons and the media.
When asked if he was joining the SNP, Leishman said: "What matters most to me is true Labour Party values.
"True Labour Party values, the home for that is in the Labour Party.
"Labour's been the only party I've ever been a member of.
"I joined in 2016, it's where my political home is. I want to get the Labour whip back because I still feel that the Labour Party is the vehicle for positive change in the country.
"And that means redistributing power and wealth across society and actually trying to achieve a much more equal country."
When asked if this meant he had ruled out joining the Nationalists, he said: "I am committed, rock solid, to the Labour Party.
"The Labour Party is my home. I'm not happy about the way that a lot of things have been done, but I'm a Labour Party member and I'm proud to be one."
When asked if he had considered joining Corbyn's new party, he said: "Your question about Jeremy and Zarah's party, it's the same answer."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar was told about Leishman's suspension before it happened, the Record understands.
Sarwar had a conversation with Chief Whip Alan Campbell before the MP was booted out of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Leishman remains a member of the Scottish Labour Party.
He met the Chief Whip and was told that he had been suspended pending further investigation for going against the party line in votes and the media.
Leishman has been the most vocal critic among the Scottish Labour MPs since becoming an MP last year.
He has slammed the government over the Grangemouth refinery closure, the Winter Fuel Payment cuts, the failure to compensate Waspi women and the slashing of disability benefits.
But some of the things he has criticised the government for are Scottish Labour policy.
Leishman was one of four Labour MPs to lose the whip on Wednesday. The others all represent English seats.
Some Labour MSPs were unhappy about the decision to suspend Leishman.
North East Scotland MSP Mercedes Villalba said: 'Brian Leishman is exactly what a Labour MP should be: A committed socialist and trade unionist prepared to fight for his constituents without fear or favour.
"This is the wrong decision, and the whip should be returned."
Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon said: ' Brian Leishman is a fantastic Scottish Labour MP. He works tirelessly for his constituents and stands up for Labour values. Hope to see the whip restored soon.'
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