[3] His maiden speech as an MP was in support of a motion to repeal the Scotland Act 1978, which would have established a new devolved Scottish Assembly.
[3] Stewart was forced to resign his ministerial post after an incident in February 1995, when he brandished a pickaxe at demonstrators who were protesting at the construction of the M77 motorway.
[5][6][1] He was subsequently fined £200[3] by the Paisley Sheriff Court for breach of the peace and was forced to give up his position in the Scottish Office.
[1] In March 1997, Stewart was hospitalised, in Dykebar Hospital, Paisley, after suffering a nervous breakdown[3] and due to accusations about his personal life.
[7][8] He stood down, not seeking re-election to Parliament in the general election held on 1 May that year, and subsequently retired altogether from politics.