MSP 'witnessed' sexually assaulting young female members of staff

An MSP was witnessed sexually assaulting young female members of staff, according to a report on inappropriate behaviour at the Scottish Parliament.

Police at Holyrood have been informed about a survey detailing scores of previously unreported cases of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

The Dignity at Work survey of staff working for MSPs and for the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body – which is responsible for the running of Holyrood – was completed in January this year.

It revealed 84 previously unreported cases of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment since 2021.

“One respondent said they had heard of a colleague experiencing sexual harassment from an MSP, and one said that they had witnessed an MSP sexually assaulting young female members of staff,” the report found.

“…disrespectful language towards protected groups and concerns about expectations and boundaries at events, particularly where alcohol is involved…
Dignity at Work survey

“Both said that staff had not felt supported, and the respondent who said they had witnessed sexual assault said that the response of the party had been to ‘brush everything underneath the carpet’.”

The report also highlights inappropriate or harmful behaviour by some MSPs both in their offices and within the Parliament’s Chamber.

“This includes reports of disrespectful language towards protected groups and concerns about expectations and boundaries at events, particularly where alcohol is involved,” the report added.

The Dignity at Work survey highlighted issues in MSPs’ offices, where small groups of people work closely together, but where there is a distinct power dynamic, with people being unwilling to complain about their boss because that could cost them their job.

Overall it includes 45 reports in relation to bullying, 25 in relation to harassment and 14 in relation to sexual harassment, including a small number of allegations of serious sexual misconduct.

This is the first time the incidents have been publicly reported and have been described as shocking.

The Parliament has made nine recommendations to tackle the issues, and statements from political parties are expected at Holyrood on Friday.

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone said: “We will all be shocked and deeply concerned to learn of some reported serious allegations.

“Senior Parliament officials made the Parliament Police unit aware of the limited information we have.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We have not received any report or complaint in relation to this matter. We are aware of the survey and we would be keen to speak to anyone with information.

“We treat all reports of criminality, regardless of when the offence happened, with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity.”

All of the party leaders responded to the report at Holyrood on Friday.

John Swinney said: “As First Minister, I want to make it clear to Parliament that a culture of appropriate behaviour is essential to the functioning of our democracy.”

Russell Findlay, Scottish Tory leader, said: “It is clear that things need to change. Change is in the interests of all parties, all MSPs.”

Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader, added: “This deeply worrying report must be taken with the utmost seriousness and its content demands not defensiveness, not delay, but decisive action from all of us.”

Gillian Mackay, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, said: “Presiding officer, the allegations and volume of them are shocking and will be hugely concerning for everyone using the parliamentary estate. I want to thank those who have come forward and shared their experiences to help improve the culture and conduct in Parliament.”

Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Lib-Dems, said: “There are challenges in this report, it is embarrassing, but it is also a call to action and I sincerely hope that whilst this represents one of the last considerations of this Parliament, it represents one of the first considerations of the Parliament to come.”