Johann Lamont has today been challenged to make her feelings clear if she agrees or not with Labour MP Ian Davidson after his bizarre Newsnight Scotland interview.

Mr Davidson attacked the impartiality of respected journalist Isobel Fraser and Newsnight Scotland as a whole, repeatedly referring to it as ‘Newsnat Scotland’ and accusing the programme of bias.

Ms Lamont, as leader of the Labour party in Scotland, is responsible for the conduct of all Scottish Labour MPs.

SNP MSP Sandra White says the people of Scotland have the right to know if Ms Lamont agrees with the views and conduct of Mr Davidson, or not.

Ms White, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, said: “There has been wide condemnation from prominent voices form all parties and various people in public life in Scotland towards Mr Davidson’s conduct on Newsnight Scotland – but the Labour leadership silence on the matter is deafening.

“Johann Lamont must now must speak up or speak out to demonstrate if they are a party that promotes positive respectful politics or if they are a party stuck in dark ages.

“The only support I’ve seen for Mr Davidson has come from Michael Kelly whose politics belong in the dim and distant past, and even he admits the ‘onus is surely on Davidson to produce evidence’ to substantiate his wild claims.

“Ms Lamont and Labour have come to a crossroads and they must now decide what path they are to now take. I am sure they know what they should do, whither they are willing to do this remains to be seen.

“This isn’t the first time that Ian Davidson has publicly embarrassed himself, but his extraordinary behaviour cannot simply be swept under the carpet and he - or the Labour party in Scotland - must now apologise to Isobel Fraser and BBC Scotland."

Notes from Twitter:

Frank McAveety ?@FMcAveety:  Bit of a rammie on Newsnicht tnt with Ian Davidson and Isobel Fraser on the Referendum report. It may rumble on.

Murdo Fraser ?@murdo_fraser: Ian Davidson being unnecessarily rude to Isobel Fraser on #newsnicht. No need for it.

Angus Macleod ?@AmacleodTimes: Labour should demand Davidson apologises for his outburst on Newsnicht. Bonkers.

Andrew McFadyen ?@apmcfadyen: I don't know why Ian Davidson chose to pick a fight with Isabel Fraser, but he comes across like a playground bully

Aamer Anwar ?@AamerAnwar: Absolutely Ridiculous-Ian Davidson MP just accused BBC of being biased against unionist parties just now on Newsnight Scotland.

Gerry Hassan ?@GerryHassan : Ian Davidson is a certain kind of bruiser. Whatever your views what kind of Scotland does he appeal too?

Gerry Hassan ?@GerryHassan: Great embracing of Diceyian view of British constitution by Ian Davidson. Not exactly an ad for a reformed, flexible union.

Lesley Riddoch ?@LesleyRiddoch : If Ian Davidson wants to c what bullying on air looks like he sd rewatch his #Newsnicht performance. http://tinyurl.com/dyzqvss

Jennie Kermode ?@jennie_kermode : I hope Ian Davidson has given due thought to what his performance on #Newsnicht will look like on YouTube in the cold light of morning.

The Firm ?@TheFirmOnline: We all admire a good fight, but only if you fight clean. The result of last night is that Ian Davidson diminished only himself.

Kate Shannon ?@HolyroodKate: MP Ian Davidson accuses Isabel Fraser and the BBC of being biased and repeatedly calls it 'NewsNat Scotland' - nice.

Pat Kane ?@thoughtland: Something iconic abt Iain Davidson on #newsnicht...As 2 his bias charge--Has he ever *watched* Brewer in full sneer? http://pic.twitter.com/RhGv8Yi2

Mandy Rhodes @holyroodmandy Just watched rerun of Ian Davidson on Newsnight last night - people would pay to watch that kind of thing on the Fringe!

Links:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01ly7qg/Newsnight_Scotland_07_08_2012/

http://www.scotsman.com/news/michael-kelly-showdown-has-put-bbc-objectivity-to-the-test-1-2456723