SNP MP Patrick Grady faces suspension from the House of Commons after a parliamentary inquiry confirmed a allegation of sexual misconduct.
The group of independent experts recommended that Mr Grady be suspended from the House for two days for making an “unwanted sexual breakthrough” to a party staff member at a social work event at a pub in 2016.
Mr. Grady was also ordered to apologize publicly in the courtroom and to apologize privately to the person who complained.
However, the length of the suspension was shortened because, according to the panel, the complainant “repeatedly breached confidentiality” in an attempt to discredit Mr Brady which led to “intrusive press activities and social media abuse”. .
An investigation by Kathryn Stone, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, confirmed the claim that Mr Grady had made an unwanted breakthrough “which included touching and stroking the complainant’s neck, hair and back”.
The deputy did not appeal the decision.
Grady was found to have breached parliament’s policy of sexual misconduct.
The panel that considered his sanction concluded: “An unwanted physical touch, with sexual intent, from a senior MP to a younger staff member, even on one occasion, is a major breach of policy. .
“It must be marked by some period of suspension from the House.”
He also took into account the “genuine remorse of the deputy for his actions, which were not repeated once rejected, and his efforts to address his behavior since the incident.”
The suspension recommendation must be accepted by the House of Commons.
The findings mark the final chapter in a series of allegations of misconduct linked to parliament.
The Sunday Times reported earlier this year that 56 MPs are facing allegations ranging from sexually inappropriate comments to more serious crimes.