NICOLA Sturgeon has refused to suspend a high-profile SNP general election candidate whose past work as a solicitor is the subject of a professional misconduct probe.

The First Minister said she retained “absolute confidence” in Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, who is standing for re-election in Ochil and South Perthshire.

After a newspaper report revealed the investigation, Ms Ahmed-Sheikh, 46, confirmed some “administrative matters” were being examined by the Law Society of Scotland.

It is understood the investigation relates to Ms Ahmed-Sheikh’s former law firm, Glasgow-based Hamilton Burns, which has recently been in financial difficulty.

Ms Ahmed-Sheikh was a partner at the firm from 2010 to 2015, before leaving after being elected, but remains a shareholder, according to her Commons register of interest.

After Labour and the Tories called for Ms Ahmed-Sheikh, who is defending a 10,158-vote majority, to be suspended “immediately”, Ms Sturgeon accused them of petty politicking.

She said: “I am aware that there have been issues raised with the Law Society, as I understand it about administrative issues within her former law firm.

"There are hundreds of issues raised with the Law Society every year and the Law Society has to investigate them, so Tasmina is co-operating with that investigation and I know she is confident about a satisfactory outcome.

"It doesn't surprise me to hear my opposition are political point-scoring.

"I am absolutely confident in her as a candidate."

Ms Ahmed-Sheikh added: “I'm proud of my 17-year career in the legal profession.

“I am aware that issues have been raised with the Law Society in relation to administrative matters during my time at my former firm.

“The Law Society has a duty to uphold professional standards and they must be allowed to do so without prejudice.

"In the meantime, I’m getting on with fighting this election campaign and seeking re-election to stand up for the people of Ochil and South Perthshire."

In December, the taxman launched a sequestration action against the MP in relation to Hamilton Burns, which owed more than £30,000 in unpaid PAYE, almost all of it run up after she had left.

Ms Ahmed-Sheikh, who denied she had any outstanding personal tax liability, resolved the dispute behind closed doors just ahead of a public court hearing due to take place in January.

The Law Society of Scotland refused to comment on the case, however it is standard for it to investigate any firm in financial distress to ensure client monies are safe.

It is unlikely Ms Ahmed-Sheikh alone would be investigated as part of any such check.

A former Tory who joined the SNP in 2000 as a protegee of Alex Salmond, Ms Ahmed-Sheikh has a high profile within the SNP as its Westminster trade and investment spokesperson, and is also a member of the party’s ruling National Executive Committee.

It is understood the investigation was launched several weeks ago, when the SNP could have substituted a fresh candidate in the seat.

In a letter to Ms Sturgeon, Scottish Labour election campaign director James Kelly wrote: “The voters in Ochil and South Perthshire need immediate answers on this - they cannot go to the polls without all the information being made available to them.”

He added: “Nicola Sturgeon must make it clear if she will continue to support Mrs Ahmed-Sheikh as an SNP candidate, and in the wake of a series of scandals it once again raises questions about the party’s vetting process.

“Voters on 8 June have an opportunity to reject Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh at the ballot box and get a Labour MP who will fight against another divisive independence referendum.”

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser added: “These are serious allegations and, four weeks out from an election, the voters of Ochil and South Perthshire need an immediate explanation.

"It would be utterly unacceptable for the SNP to try and brush this under the carpet. For once, they need to be straight with people.

“If an investigation has been launched, then the SNP should do exactly as they did with their former MP Michelle Thomson and suspend Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh immediately."

An SNP spokesperson said: “The party is aware that administrative matters relating to Tasmina’s time at her former firm are being looked into.

“Hundreds of issues are raised with the Law Society every year and it is right that they investigate them.

“She has co-operated fully and is continuing her campaign to be a strong voice for the people of Ochil and South Perthshire."

The Law Society of Scotland was criticised in 2015 over its secretive handling of a case involving then SNP MP Michelle Thomson, whose solicitor was struck off for his part in 13 property deals connected to her and her businesses.

The Society refused to comment on the claims around Ms Ahmed-Sheikh, other than to confirm she remained on the roll of solicitors but did not currently hold a practising certificate.