Secret bugging of SNP MSP unacceptable, Swinney says

Edinburgh — First Minister John Swinney condemned reports that a staff member secretly planted listening devices in the office of an SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament they worked for, calling the conduct 'completely and utterly unacceptable.' The Scotsman reported the alleged incident occurred in late 2023 and involved devices placed in the office of an unnamed SNP MSP.

BBC Scotland News understands that the person no longer works for an elected representative but is an office bearer in a local branch of the SNP.

The Scottish Parliament and the SNP have said MSPs are responsible for managing their own staffing issues, including disputes as employers.

"I'm not familiar with all of the details... but that type of conduct is completely and utterly unacceptable," Swinney told journalists after First Minister's Questions, adding that individuals are entitled to operate in an open and transparent environment and should not be subjected to that kind of behaviour.

The Scotsman said the issue had been raised with Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone. A Scottish Parliament spokesman said that MSPs were responsible for managing staff and disputes as employers. 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."

The MSP has been approached for comment. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the devices or the specifics of the alleged incident, and both Parliament offices and the SNP stressed the sensitivity of personnel matters. The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of internal procedures and safeguards within political offices and the handling of staff-related concerns at a time when questions about transparency and conduct in public life remain prominent.