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.
Mr Ross speaking to journalists on Thursday. Pic: PA
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.
MSP Jamie Hepburn, right, with Colin McAllister, the Scottish government’s chief of staff. Pic: PA
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 Hepburn, centre, minister for parliamentary business. Pic: PA
In a statement earlier, Mr Ross said: “The minister grabbed me on the shoulder and held on to me all the way out of the chamber.
“At the same time he was continually swearing at me and getting more and more aggressive. He just wouldn’t give up.
“He lost his temper in a big way and there is no way that behaviour can be tolerated in any workplace.
“Jamie Hepburn has a duty to listen to members and respond to them – that is his role as parliamentary business [minister].
“However, it seems that if he disagrees with you he resorts to violent, threatening and intimidating behaviour.
“Given the seriousness of the incident and having alerted parliamentary officials yesterday afternoon, I felt it was right to also raise it with the first minister.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, First Minister John Swinney and Mr Hepburn. Pic: PA
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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”.
Mr Swinney during FMQs on Thursday. Pic: PA
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.
