Scottish Government denies deputy first minister ‘bullying’ claims

The Scottish Government has denied claims of bullying made against deputy first minister Jenny Gilruth.

The Scottish Sun on Sunday alleged that Gilruth wrote an email naming officials in her new department that she disliked and wanted to axe.

The paper also reported that an insider allegedly claimed everybody is “terrified” of Ms Gilruth, because she is a “bully”.

The Scottish Sun on Sunday said an insider had claimed Gilruth sent an email to her private office detailing staff members she was not happy with and why.

The paper quoted the person saying Ms Gilruth “basically named and shamed everybody, saying they are not worthy of working for her”.

The insider also alleged that the email had gone to the whole department in error.

Gilruth was appointed in May after her predecessor Kate Forbes stepped down as an MSP at the Holyrood elections.

Political rivals have called for Ms Gilruth to face a Holyrood investigation over the allegations.

Scottish Labour acting leader Jackie Baillie said the accusations “must not be swept under the carpet by the SNP”.

“It is unacceptable to target workers or try and drive people out of their role for no good reason,” Ms Baillie said.

“Too often the SNP act like the rules don’t apply to them and that cannot be allowed to happen on this occasion.

She added: “John Swinney must launch a full investigation into these claims and make it clear that there is zero tolerance for bullying in his government.”

However, the Scottish Government has denied the claims.

It is understood that the Government is also denying the existence of an email.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “These claims are factually wrong. Staffing decisions rest with Civil Service managers, not ministers.

“As is standard after any reshuffle, staffing support in private offices was reviewed, and changes were made in several ministerial offices following the election.”