One of the SNP’s most respected MPs is being investigated for bullying after four former staff members complained about her conduct.

Allegations against Joanna Cherry, QC, will be examined by House of Commons authorities. Officials are understood to have interviewed all potential witnesses already.

The Times has learnt that Nicola Sturgeon has been made aware of the complaints against the Edinburgh South West MP, who was first elected during the SNP landslide of 2015. A grievance was initially raised through the National Union of Journalists, which represents a number of parliamentary employees as well as those working in the media. The union wrote to Ms Cherry, the party’s justice spokeswoman at Westminster, about the allegations.

The staff who raised the complaints no longer work for