Reports of MSP’s office bugged ‘utterly unacceptable’, says Swinney

Reports of an SNP staff member bugging an MSP they worked for are “completely and utterly unacceptable”, the First Minister has said.

The Scotsman reported on Thursday that the male staffer had placed a listening device in the office of an MSP and remains an office bearer in a local association.

The unnamed individual reportedly worked for the party under four first ministers and used to be an aide for a Cabinet secretary before moving to work for an MP.

Asked about the situation by journalists following First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, John Swinney said: “I’m not familiar with all of the details… but that type of conduct is completely and utterly unacceptable.

“Individuals are entitled to operate in an open and transparent environment and shouldn’t be subjected to that kind of behaviour.”

The newspaper reported on Thursday that complaints have been made to Holyrood authorities about the handling of the incident.

It was reported that a former staffer had placed a listening device in the office of an MSP and remains an office bearer in a local association.

MSPs are considered the employers for their staff members, with Holyrood offering access to an outside HR process which can be used for disputes and complaints handling.

A spokesman for the Scottish Parliament said: “Each MSP is an employer in their own right and is responsible for managing staff welfare issues and employment disputes.

“Complaints about staff conduct are investigated by an independent adviser, and it is for the Member to act on their findings accordingly.

“As a matter of standard practice, we do not comment upon or confirm any individual cases.”

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said the allegations were “jaw-dropping”.

“It appears a grave breach of privacy and potentially criminal behaviour has been swept under the carpet by the SNP,” Baillie said.

“Once again it looks like the SNP chose to close ranks and protect their own, rather than dealing with serious misconduct head-on. John Swinney must come clean about what he knew and when.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Conservative party said: “This is an appalling situation for anyone to have experienced at their place of work.

“Serious questions must be asked as to why senior figures in the SNP, including Humza Yousaf, appeared to sweep this incident under the carpet and why this individual is still involved with the party.

“The onus is on the SNP to be as transparent as possible and clarify what action was taken and why.”

An SNP spokesperson said: “The SNP has no involvement in the employment processes of Parliamentarians. That is a confidential matter between elected members, employees, and Scottish Parliament authorities.

“The reports outline a very traumatic situation for those involved and nobody should ever have to experience fear or harassment for doing their job.“