PATRICK Harvie has called for tough sanctions to be dished out to sex pest politicians including parly bans and wage suspensions.

The Greens boss said curbs were needed ahead of a Holyrood conduct review.

2 Greens leader Patrick Harvie said curbs were needed

The MSP, who is deputy on a standards committee, could recommend an overhaul of regulations in light of the harassment claims that are rocking politics.

But he told how authorities faced difficulties where cases do not cross into criminal territory but in “any other work a person could be dismissed”.

Mr Harvie said: “We can’t legally do that with MSPs, and simply removing the party whip from a member wouldn’t have same effect.

“I hope the committee will explore whether it is possible to pass a sanction so serious that it’d exclude an MSP and remove their salary for an entire parliamentary term.”

2 Mark McDonald quit as Childrens Minister

The Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee launched a probe into rules governing complaints on Thursday.

A parly spokesman said: “The inquiry will explore if the code of conduct is fit for purpose.”

A confidential helpline set up for sexual harassment victims at Holyrood received four calls last week.

It came after Mark McDonald quit as Children’s Minister amid claims he sent a sleazy text to a woman.

But the Nats have refused to reveal the full details.

Yesterday, it was claimed some SNP MSPs are furious for keeping him as an MSP.

chris.musson@the-sun.co.uk

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