SHE is the controversial MP whose curious property deals have provided the SNP with a never-ending run of bad headlines.
But Michelle Thomson’s knack for attracting the wrong sort of publicity has seen one of the world’s most famous actors being dragged into the slipstream of the row.
Thomson had been ready to appear at the glitzy Scottish Business Awards this month – at which George Clooney is the A-list speaker – but she has now been uninvited over fears her attendance would tarnish the event.
One SNP source joked: “Not even Clooney in ER could resuscitate Michelle Thomson’s political career.”
Thomson was elected as the MP for Edinburgh West in May and installed as the party’s Westminster business spokeswoman.
However, she was soon caught up in a scandal over her involvement in a series of "back-to-back" property deals involving multiple sales of the same home being pushed through on one day.
The solicitor used for many of the deals, Chris Hales, was struck off for the role he played in the transactions.
Thomson was forced to withdraw from the SNP whip and sit as an independent MP while police investigate the sales.
It has now emerged that the row is causing ripples outside the world of Scottish politics.
The Scottish Business Awards, supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland, is the annual ceremony for recognising the achievements of the country’s entrepreneurs and companies.
Clooney, known throughout the world for his roles in Ocean’s Eleven, The Ides Of March, Syriana and The Descendants, is the star turn at this month’s event at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
The Oscar winner will speak at 7pm, but attendees willing to pay £10,000 for a “platinum package” will get special access to him.
This includes one place at a private lunch with the Hollywood legend, attendance on a VIP photoline and “optimum viewing” for his speech.
Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy and comedian Rob Brydon are also listed as special guests.
In the past, the ceremony has attracted Sir Bob Geldof, former US President Bill Clinton and Sir Richard Branson as keynote speakers.
Edinburgh Airport, whose chief executive Gordon Dewar is shortlisted for CEO of the year, had invited Thomson to its table for the glitzy bash.
It is understood she had been picked due to her role as SNP business spokeswoman, but Thomson’s constituency also includes the airport.
However, the Thomson allegations put the airport in an awkward position and, not wanting the MP’s presence to cause embarrassment or overshadow the event, the company discreetly rescinded the invitation.
A source close to the MP said: “Michelle was puzzled by the Edinburgh Airport decision to withdraw the invitation made several weeks ago, given that she is of course MP for Edinburgh West within which the airport lies and has a good relationship with CEO Gordon Dewar. She wishes the event every success.”
The source added that the SNP Government would be represented at the dinner and would not want Thomson there.
Edinburgh Airport has good links to the SNP and the Government. Former Scottish Government permanent secretary John Elvidge is the chair, while Erik Geddes, a one-time press officer for the Nationalists, has recently taken up a communications post at the organisation.
Scottish Conservative chief whip John Lamont said: "This is an evening to celebrate the very best of Scottish business and with an A-list movie star guest list, it's probably best that Michelle Thomson doesn't grace it with her presence."
A spokesperson for Edinburgh Airport said: "Representatives from Edinburgh Airport recently spoke with Michelle Thomson and explained that it was now unavoidable but to rescind the invite in light of the situation she presently finds herself in."
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