Accusations have been made by former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross against government minister Jamie Hepburn, alleging assault and verbal abuse at Holyrood.
Mr. Ross brought up the incident at the end of First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) on Thursday, although it has not been reported to Police Scotland yet.
He plans to speak with parliamentary police regarding the matter.
In his statement to the chamber, Mr. Ross mentioned that he had informed Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone about the incident, claiming that he was physically assaulted and verbally abused by Mr. Hepburn.
MSP Jamie Hepburn, right, with Colin McAllister, the Scottish government’s chief of staff. Pic: PA
Responding to journalists, Mr. Hepburn admitted to placing his hand on Mr. Ross’ shoulder and using inappropriate language, acknowledging his mistake.
He stated, «That’s it.»
Mr Hepburn, centre, minister for parliamentary business. Pic: PA
Mr. Ross described the incident in his statement, expressing concern over Mr. Hepburn’s behavior and emphasizing the need for respectful communication in the workplace.
He highlighted the importance of addressing such issues and brought it to the attention of parliamentary officials and the first minister.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, First Minister John Swinney and Mr Hepburn. Pic: PA
Read more from Sky News:
Three arrested on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence service
Teenagers charged over cyber attack on TfL costing millions of pounds
Mr. Ross, who previously led the Scottish Conservatives and currently represents the Highlands and Islands, raised concerns about Mr. Hepburn’s absence from the chamber and inquired about a potential statement from Mr. Swinney regarding the matter.
Mr. Swinney, who was away in Windsor during the incident, stated to journalists post-FMQs that he was unaware of the situation and would look into it.
He mentioned that he would be considering the issues raised by Mr. Ross.
Mr Swinney during FMQs on Thursday.
Following Mr Ross’ claim, Presiding Officer Ms Johnstone said: «This is a very serious allegation and it is important that it is dealt with through the appropriate processes.
«I expect all members to take their responsibilities under the code of conduct seriously.»
Mr Hepburn, MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, has held numerous roles within the Scottish government, and was most recently minister for independence from 2023 until 2024.
Asked why he lost his temper, Mr Hepburn said: «I think everyone knows the context. I was speaking to a business motion after we had just agreed landmark legislation to improve the experience for victims and witnesses yesterday.
«I think he spoke to the business motion in a way that he shouldn’t have, but I recognise I should have kept my cool and not used the words I shouldn’t have.»
When asked if he would apologise to Mr Ross, Mr Hepburn said he would «freely speak to him» if he wished.
The Scottish parliament said there was no CCTV footage of the alleged incident.
A spokesperson said: «The parliament takes a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment and any allegations of criminality should be reported directly to the police.
«As the presiding officer said in the chamber, this is a very serious allegation and it is important that it is dealt with through the appropriate processes.»
The Scottish government has been contacted for comment.
Mr Swinney during FMQs on Thursday. Pic: PA
Former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has accused a government minister of assaulting and verbally abusing him at Holyrood. Mr Ross made the allegation against parliamentary business minister Jamie Hepburn at the end of First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) on Thursday.
The alleged incident has not been reported to Police Scotland, but Mr Ross intends to speak with parliamentary police. The politician told the chamber that he had emailed Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone about the alleged incident. Addressing First Minister John Swinney, Mr Ross claimed he had been «physically assaulted and verbally abused» by Mr Hepburn on Wednesday.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Hepburn admitted that he put his hand on Mr Ross’ shoulder and «probably used a few choice words I shouldn’t have». He added: «That’s it.»
Mr Ross, who served as leader of the Scottish Conservatives from 2020 until 2024 and is the MSP for the Highlands and Islands, noted that Mr Hepburn was absent from the chamber as he questioned whether Mr Swinney would be making a statement in regards to the allegation. The first minister, who was in Windsor on Wednesday for the state banquet held for US President Donald Trump, told journalists after FMQs: «It’s the first I’ve heard about it. Obviously, I was away yesterday so I don’t have any knowledge about it.» Mr Swinney added that he would «consider these issues.»
Following Mr Ross’ claim, Presiding Officer Ms Johnstone said: «This is a very serious allegation and it is important that it is dealt with through the appropriate processes.» «I expect all members to take their responsibilities under the code of conduct seriously.» Mr Hepburn, MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, has held numerous roles within the Scottish government, and was most recently minister for independence from 2023 until 2024.
Asked why he lost his temper, Mr Hepburn said: «I think everyone knows the context. I was speaking to a business motion after we had just agreed landmark legislation to improve the experience for victims and witnesses yesterday.» «I think he spoke to the business motion in a way that he shouldn’t have, but I recognize I should have kept my cool and not used the words I shouldn’t have.»
When asked if he would apologize to Mr Ross, Mr Hepburn said he would «freely speak to him» if he wished. The Scottish parliament said there was no CCTV footage of the alleged incident. A spokesperson said: «The parliament takes a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment and any allegations of criminality should be reported directly to the police.» «As the presiding officer said in the chamber, this is a very serious allegation and it is important that it is dealt with through the appropriate processes.» The Scottish government has been contacted for comment.
Three arrested on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence service Teenagers charged over cyber attack on TfL costing millions of pounds. Image: PA
In a statement earlier, Mr Ross described an incident where the minister grabbed him on the shoulder and swore at him aggressively, displaying unacceptable behavior in the workplace. Mr Ross emphasized the need for the minister to listen and respond to members respectfully, rather than resorting to intimidation. He raised the issue with the first minister due to the seriousness of the incident.
Mr Ross, a former leader of the Scottish Conservatives and MSP for the Highlands and Islands, questioned the absence of Mr Hepburn in the chamber and whether Mr Swinney would address the allegation. The first minister, who was attending a state banquet in Windsor, stated that he was unaware of the incident but would consider the matter.
Following the claim by Mr Ross, Presiding Officer Ms Johnstone emphasized the importance of addressing the serious allegation through appropriate processes and urged all members to adhere to the code of conduct. Mr Hepburn, MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, acknowledged the context of the incident but admitted he should have maintained his composure.
The Scottish parliament confirmed the lack of CCTV footage of the incident and reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and harassment. They advised reporting any criminal allegations directly to the police. The Scottish government has been contacted for further comment.
SOURCE
Por Michael Bunting
“I’m Michael Bunting, Communications Director with over 20 years of experience in corporate reputation, crisis management, and digital strategy. I have led teams in multinational companies and agencies, advised executives, and designed high-impact strategies. I am driven by transparency, innovation, and leveraging communication as a competitive advantage.”