Douglas Ross accuses SNP minister of assault at Holyrood

Conservative MSP Douglas Ross has accused Parliamentary Business Minister Jamie Hepburn, an SNP member, of physically and verbally assaulting him in the Scottish Parliament. Ross said he would report the incident to police after a confrontation on Wednesday. The clash followed a dispute over scheduling a summit to address concerns about “out of control” seagulls. Ross made the allegation at the end of First Ministers' Questions at Holyrood on Thursday.

Ross said Hepburn grabbed him and swore at him "in an aggressive manner" as he left the chamber, adding that the minister should lose his job and that there was "no way he can continue in his role in government, particularly in a role which means he has to work with MSPs."

Hepburn has not responded to requests for comment. A government source told BBC Scotland that "no such assault took place." The clash occurred as Ross pressed ministers to postpone the so-called seagull summit amid concerns that it was not open to the public, media or other politicians, while ministers argued the summit was necessary to address health and safety risks and nuisance to local businesses.

Ross’s intervention followed criticism on Wednesday after he delayed a vote on landmark justice reforms to raise concerns about the government’s seagull summit. The Herald reported that his move sparked anger among justice campaigners who were in the gallery to witness the passage of the justice bill, and among the Scottish Greens.

John Swinney, the deputy first minister, said after the session that he had only learned of the accusation when Ross raised it in the chamber and would consider the claims. Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone described the allegation as a "very serious" matter and said it was important that it be dealt with through the appropriate processes. She added that such allegations would typically be investigated first by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland, an independent watchdog appointed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, and that ministers must adhere to the Scottish ministerial code.

The episode underscores ongoing tensions around conduct and accountability in Holyrood as lawmakers navigate the balance between vigorous debate and the responsibilities that come with serving in government.