The SNP’s deputy leader and a Western Isles MP have been caught up in a Westminster love triangle with the same woman, according to reports.
A national newspaper reported that Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie and his Na h-Eileanan an Iar colleague Angus MacNeil had both split from their wives over the alleged affair.
Mr Hosie, 53, and Mr MacNeil, 45, are said to have clashed over the affections of 36-year-old political journalist Serena Cowdy, who writes for Parliament’s The House magazine.
Mr Hosie announced on Sunday that he was separating from his wife Shona Robison, a fellow SNP politician and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport in the Scottish Parliament.
Mr MacNeil announced the split from his wife last year. He has been the subject of a number of controversies in the past including an incident where he “kissed and fondled” two teenage girls while his wife was pregnant in hospital.
Miss Cowdy and the two SNP politicians were approached for comment by the newspaper last week but made no comment until an announcement about Hosie’s separation from Miss Robison was issued on Sunday.
It is thought that Mr Hosie is now in a relationship with Miss Cowdy.
An SNP spokesman said “Stewart and Shona have separated. They have a young daughter, and she will continue to be their priority.
“Both parties have asked that their privacy is respected during this difficult time. No further comment will be given.”