Scottish government minister Jamie Hepburn has resigned following allegations that he physically assaulted Conservative MSP Douglas Ross during a heated exchange at Holyrood.
Ross claimed Hepburn grabbed his shoulder and swore at him aggressively after First Minister’s Questions, following a row over the scheduling of a summit on seagulls.
The confrontation came after the pair had clashed in the chamber over parliamentary business.
In his resignation letter, Hepburn admitted his behaviour fell short of his personal standards.
“Irrespective of whether or not the Ministerial Code has been breached, I believe I have not acted in accordance with my own code of practice,” he wrote.
First Minister,John Swinney accepted the resignation with much personal regret, acknowledging Hepburn’s one slip but stressing his usual record of courtesy.
Ross welcomed the move, saying: “This is the correct decision, Jamie Hepburn admitted behaviour that fell well short of that expected of ministers.”
He criticised the SNP for initially backing Hepburn until formal complaints forced action.
Hepburn, MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth since 2011, has held a series of ministerial posts under Nicola Sturgeon, Humza Yousaf and Swinney. Most recently parliamentary business minister, he was once minister for independence, a role that drew criticism from unionist parties.
While popular within SNP ranks, Hepburn’s position became untenable due to the requirement for his role to maintain constructive cross-party relations.
His resignation avoids ongoing political pressure and leaves open the possibility of a return to government in future.
The ministerial code makes clear that harassment, bullying or inappropriate behaviour is incompatible with ministerial office. Hepburn’s departure highlights the sensitivity of parliamentary standards at a time when Swinney has sought to promote unity across Holyrood.
