Scottish Labour calls for 'urgent investigation' into claims MSP’s office was bugged

Scottish Labour has called for an “urgent investigation” into claims an MSP’s office was bugged on the Scottish Parliament estate by SNP staff.

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.

Complaints have reportedly been made to Holyrood authorities over the handling of the incident.

On Friday morning, Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie sent a letter to the Presiding Officer calling for the Scottish Parliament to investigate the “incredibly serious allegations”.

“These incidents raise serious questions about the safety of our Parliament and the security of our government,” Baillie wrote.

“There must be an urgent investigation by the Scottish Parliament into these claims to establish the scale and precise nature of this wrongdoing.”

She added: “If you are unable or unwilling to carry out an investigation yourself, then this matter must be referred to the police so a full investigation can be carried out.”

Scottish Labour are calling for the Parliamentary investigation to establish who knew what and when within the SNP, and whether politicians or staff of any other parties have been targeted.

“Everyone working in this building deserves to know that their right to privacy will be upheld and anyone breaching those rights will face consequences,” Baillie added.

A Scottish Conservatives spokesperson described the situation as “appalling”.

The spokesperson added: “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.”

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.”

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.”

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.“