SNP minister Jamie Hepburn resigns after Douglas Ross assault allegations
Hepburn steps down as parliamentary business minister a day after Ross accused him of physical and verbal abuse in Holyrood; Ross met police, no formal complaint filed; Hepburn acknowledges some strong language but denies assault
Jamie Hepburn resigned as Scotland's minister for parliamentary business on Thursday, a day after Douglas Ross alleged he was physically assaulted and verbally abused by the SNP minister in Holyrood. The incident followed Ross using a parliamentary procedure to press for a ministerial statement on concerns about a seagull summit.
Ross described the confrontation as he left the chamber, saying he was grabbed on the shoulder, held onto him and subjected to swearing. He said the exchange occurred in front of MSPs, civil servants and security staff, and that he has reported the matter to parliamentary authorities and to Police Scotland.
Hepburn later said that he did place a hand on Ross's shoulder and used strong language, but he denied any assault and said he should not have used the words he did. He added that he would not apologise for actions he believed were not an assault.
In a resignation letter to First Minister John Swinney, Hepburn said his continued presence would be a distraction to the SNP led government and that stepping down with immediate effect was the best course of action.
Ross later told reporters that he had met with Police Scotland officers to discuss the incident and that he would consider his options. Police said officers spoke with Ross, no complaint had been filed, and suitable advice had been given.
First Minister Swinney said he learned of the confrontation when Ross raised it in parliament and would consider the issues. Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone described the allegations as serious and said they should be dealt with through appropriate processes.
A Scottish Parliament spokesman noted the parliament's zero tolerance approach to bullying and harassment and that any allegations of criminality should be reported to the police. Police later confirmed that no formal complaint had been made and that officers had provided advice.
The resignation ends Hepburn's 11-year career as a minister and comes amid a broader pattern of SNP figures stepping down amid controversy in recent years. The government said it would cooperate with investigations as appropriate.