Jamie Hepburn resigns from post following accusations of bullying from Douglas Ross

Jamie Hepburn has resigned as parliament business minister following accusations of bullying from former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross.

Hepburn quit the post on Friday after Ross accused him of “physically grabbing” him, raising his voice, and using “foul and abusive language” inside the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Hepburn admitted he used language he shouldn’t have but downplayed the incident, saying he did not grab Ross and instead placed his hand on his shoulder.

In his resignation letter to the First Minister, Hepburn said he has been “reflecting on the incident” over the last two days and concluded that he wanted to offer his resignation as John Swinney’s business minister.

He added that it was a “source of regret” that his 11 years as a minister had ended because of the incident with Ross.

“Irrespective of whether or not the Ministerial Code has been breached, even if there had been no complaint made, I believe I have not acted in accordance with my own personal code of practice,” Hepburn said.

He said the decision is one that he feels is the “appropriate course of action”.

“I hope it would be felt by most, and not least you, that in my personal and professional undertakings I have always tried to act courteously in interacting with colleagues, either of our own party or others,” he continued.

“There is no denying that my interaction with Douglas Ross fell well short of that standard.

“I hope it is recognised on your part and others that this behaviour was quite out of character on my part.”

Responding to Hepburn’s resignation, Ross said it was the “correct decision”.

“I also appreciate Jamie Hepburn reaching out following his resignation to personally apologise to me for his behaviour,” Ross said.

“However, this issue should have been settled yesterday when the First Minister was made aware of the full facts.

“Jamie Hepburn admitted behaviour that fell well short of that expected of Ministers. Instead, John Swinney backed him, and the Nationalists were determined to ride this out and endorse that behaviour until I called for the situation to be investigated by the Independent Advisors on the Ministerial Code.”

Prior to Hepburn’s resignation on Friday, Ross escalated the row and wrote an open letter to Swinney raising a “formal complaint” about Hepburn’s behaviour.

“I believe his conduct is wholly inconsistent with the standards of behaviour required under the Scottish Ministerial Code,” Ross told the First Minister.

“Aggressively grabbing a fellow MSP, raising one’s voice in anger, and using foul and abusive language falls well below the standards set out in these provisions. This amounts to bullying behaviour and, in my view, is a clear breach of the Ministerial Code.”

Responding to Hepburn’s letter on Friday, the First Minister wrote that he accepted his resignation with “much personal regret”.

“I know there will be no one more frustrated than you, over this one slip in your normal approach of courtesy and respect to all,” Swinney said.

“Despite your decision to step down, you will continue to play an important role in our Party and in public life, as well as continuing to be a vocal advocate for the people of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.”

He added: “You leave office with my warmest thanks and my appreciation for the constant support that you have given to me.”

The Scottish Conservatives, Douglas Ross, and First Minister have been contacted for comment.