Tory MSP calls for minister's sacking over assault claim

Douglas Ross made the allegation during First Minister’s Questions (Andrew Milligan/PA) Andrew Milligan

Conservative MSP Douglas Ross is speaking to parliamentary police this afternoon following his allegation that he was physically assaulted by Scottish Government minister Jamie Hepburn. The Conservative politician said he will be reporting the incident to police and is calling for Hepburn to be sacked from his role as parliamentary business minister.

Ross made the serious allegation during First Minister's Questions on Thursday, claiming he was "physically assaulted and verbally abused" when leaving the Holyrood chamber on Wednesday. He told journalists he met with Parliament's chief executive last night to discuss next steps.

"He responded very quickly this morning that the next steps is for me to speak to the parliamentary police, which I've arranged to do this afternoon," Ross said. The Conservative MSP claims he was "grabbed" and "held on to" during the alleged incident.

Call for dismissal

Ross said the alleged behaviour violates the ministerial code and makes Hepburn's position untenable. "The behaviour that I experienced from the minister is absolutely against what is in the ministerial code I can see no way he can continue in his role in Government," he stated.

He argued that Hepburn's role working with MSPs makes the alleged conduct particularly serious. "Particularly in a role which means he has to work with MSPs," Ross added.

However, a Scottish Government source suggested they do not believe there was any physicality in the incident, contradicting Ross's account of events.

Parliamentary response

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone addressed the gravity of the allegations when they were raised in the chamber. "This is a very serious allegation and it is important that it is dealt with through the appropriate processes," she said during Thursday's session.

Johnstone emphasised that all members must take their responsibilities seriously. "I expect all members to take their responsibilities under the code of conduct seriously," she told the chamber.

First Minister John Swinney said he was unaware of the incident, having attended the state banquet for US President Donald Trump in Windsor on Wednesday. "It's the first I've heard about it. Obviously I was away yesterday so I don't have any knowledge about it," he told journalists after First Minister's Questions.

However, Swinney indicated he would examine the matter. "I will consider these issues," he said. The Scottish Parliament has been approached for comment on the developing situation.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.