SNP MSP Office Secretly Recorded by Former Staffer, John Swinney Condemns
John Swinney, First Minister, has condemned reports of a staff member secretly recording an SNP MSP as completely unacceptable. According to The Scotsman, a former worker placed listening devices in the office of an unnamed SNP politician in late 2023. BBC Scotland reports that the individual is a former staffer who no longer works for an elected representative but remains an office bearer in a local SNP branch.
The Scottish Parliament and the SNP have stated that MSPs are responsible for managing their own staffing issues and disputes as employers. A Scottish Parliament spokesman echoed that MSPs are responsible for managing staff and disputes as employers. An SNP spokesperson emphasized that the party has no involvement in the employment processes of parliamentarians, which are confidential matters between elected members, employees, and Parliament authorities.
Swinney stated that such conduct is completely unacceptable and that openness and transparency are expected in the environment for MPs and staff. The reports describe a traumatic situation, asserting that nobody should experience fear or harassment for doing their job. The issue was reportedly raised with Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone. The MSP involved has been approached for comment.
