Politicians call for probe after 'male staff member bugged female SNP MSP's office'
Politicians have called for a probe after an SNP MSP’s office being ‘bugged’ by her staff member
Politicians have called for a probe into the circumstances surrounding an MSP’s office being “bugged” by her staff member.
The Scotsman revealed an SNP MSP had been the alleged victim of a spy operation by a male staffer who leaked details to the press.
The former staff member is still involved with the SNP and worked for an MP after leaving the MSP’s team.
Asked about the situation after First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, John Swinney described it as “utterly unacceptable”.
Mr 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.”
Now opposition MSPs have suggestion action should be taken.
Tory MSP Stephen Kerr called the allegations “shocking and completely unacceptable”.
Mr Kerr said: “The suggestion that an MSP’s office may have been secretly bugged by a member of her own staff is intolerable in any workplace.
“If these claims are true, they represent a serious breach of trust, a grave invasion of privacy, and potentially criminal behaviour.
“This must now be subject to a full, independent investigation to establish what happened, who knew, and why it appears to have been swept under the carpet.
“Parliament cannot tolerate a culture where serious misconduct is quietly ignored.
“Accountability and transparency must come first.”
It is understood the man admitted during an HR probe into a separate issue that he had planted the recording devices.
He then moved to work for a male MP and is now involved in a local SNP branch as an office bearer.
The staffer, who has worked for the party under four first ministers, is understood to be a well-regarded member of the SNP.
One source said his actions were “inexplicable” but the lack of sanctions formed part of a “woman problem” within the party.
The SNP strongly refutes the claim, stating that recruitment is a matter for individual MSPs and MPs and volunteers are engaged by local party branches.
Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry said: “This story is shocking. I cannot understand why the individual concerned was not sacked and reported to the police.
“It beggars belief that, despite knowing what this individual had done, he went on to be employed by another SNP parliamentarian at Westminster.
“What will it take for the SNP to realise that there is a problem with misogyny in the party and to address it?”
The Scotsman has chosen not to name the politician involved or the staff member.
She declined to comment, however a source close to the MSP said she had been left deeply upset by the man’s actions.
The Scottish Parliament has, it is understood, offered counselling to the MSP and any staff members who were affected by the hidden recordings.
The incident occurred in late 2023.
However, it is understood SNP staff members recently approached presiding officer Alison Johnstone for support after allegations against MSP Colin Smyth came to light in August.
Mr Smyth is accused of planting a hidden camera in a Holyrood toilet and was charged with possessing indecent images of children.
He is currently suspended by Scottish Labour.
Staff members concerned by the handling of the situation are believed to have approached Ms Johnstone to complain.
Ms Johnstone is believed to have spoken with a number of parties involved in the incident but a spokesman for the Scottish Parliament said it would not be within the presiding officer’s remit to become involved in an “HR matter”.
While party staffers are the direct employees of the MSP, the Scottish Parliament offers access to independent HR support.
While the service is separate from the parliament’s HR department, it is paid for by Holyrood.
The ultimate decision to sack a staffer is taken by the MSP following HR advice .
The man previously worked for a cabinet secretary and is said by supporters to be “highly skilled” and “savvy” at his role.
Independent MSP Ash Regan said: “There should be a further investigation into this latest privacy concern to ensure that members of parliament and the staff that work here can be assured that their privacy rights are being protected.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Parliament said it is standard practice not to comment on or confirm individual cases.
He added: “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 advisor, and it is for the Member to act on their findings accordingly.”
The male staff member involved in the incident did not respond to a request for comment.
An SNP spokeswoman said: “Everyone, including politicians and their staff, have a right to carry out their duties without fear or harassment - and we all have a responsibility to ensure that is the case.”
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.