Reports of listening device in MSP’s office ‘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 a former worker had placed listening devices 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 current 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 the issue had been raised with Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone following allegations against former Labour MSP Colin Smyth of placing a camera in a Holyrood toilet.

But 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.”

A spokesperson for the SNP 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.”