Investigation Underway into Alleged 2023 Bugging of Female MSP's Office Involving SNP Staffer
An alleged bugging incident in 2023 at the Scottish Parliament involves a male SNP staffer who is accused of planting a recording device in a female MSP's office. The female MSP affected has not been publicly named. Scottish Parliament officials are currently investigating the matter.
According to reports from The Scotsman, the implicated staffer remains within the SNP and moved to work with a male MP following the incident. Sky News reported that a senior party source confirmed the allegations are true and stated that the SNP took no action against the staffer, who was later promoted.
SNP leader John Swinney condemned the conduct, describing it as completely unacceptable, but noted that further details are not yet known. Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie called the revelations jaw-dropping and said they raise serious questions about the SNP’s leadership and handling of the issue.
An SNP spokesperson emphasized that the party has no role in the employment processes of parliamentarians, describing it as a confidential matter between elected members, employees, and Scottish Parliament authorities. A Scottish Parliament spokesperson highlighted that each MSP is responsible as an employer for the welfare of their staff, with any complaints investigated by an independent adviser. They declined to comment on individual cases.
It was also reported that victims required counseling in the aftermath of the bugging incident.
