Minister's Resignation Follows Altercation
Jamie Hepburn, the Scottish Minister for Parliamentary Business and Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, has tendered his resignation. His departure on Friday, September 19, 2025, follows accusations of assault and verbal abuse made by Douglas Ross, the former leader of the Scottish Conservatives. The alleged incident occurred outside the Scottish Parliament chamber in Holyrood on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to Douglas Ross, the altercation began after he raised a point of order concerning a planned 'seagull summit,' which he claimed delayed a vote on justice reforms. Ross alleged that as he was leaving the chamber, Hepburn 'grabbed' him by the shoulder, held onto him, and subjected him to a 'foul-mouthed tirade' and 'aggressive language'. Ross further stated that Hepburn's grip 'got stronger and stronger,' and his words 'got louder and more aggressive,' indicating Hepburn was 'struggling to control his anger'.
While Jamie Hepburn denied physically assaulting Ross, he admitted to putting his hand on Ross's shoulder and using 'choice words' and 'aggressive language' that he 'shouldn't have'. He stated, 'I will freely fess up to things I've done, but I won't apologise for things I've not done. So yesterday, yeah, I put my hand on his shoulder and probably used a few choice words I shouldn't have, that's it.'
Formal Complaint and Ministerial Code
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Douglas Ross made a formal complaint to First Minister John Swinney, alleging that Hepburn's conduct amounted to 'bullying behaviour' and a 'clear breach of the Ministerial Code'. Ross urged an investigation into the matter, citing sections of the code that he believed had been violated by 'aggressively grabbing a fellow MSP, raising one's voice in anger, and using foul and abusive language'.
In his resignation letter, Hepburn acknowledged that his interaction with Ross 'fell well short' of the expected standard. He stated, 'Irrespective of whether or not the ministerial code has been breached, even if there had been no complaint made, I believe I have not acted in accordance with my own personal code of practice.' Hepburn also expressed a desire not to become a 'distraction' for the government, noting that his 11 years in ministerial office ending in this manner was a 'source of regret'. First Minister John Swinney accepted the resignation with 'much personal regret', acknowledging Hepburn's 'one slip in your normal approach of courtesy and respect to all'.
7 Comments
Fuerza
Douglas Ross was right to raise concerns about conduct, but one has to wonder if his initial 'seagull summit' point of order was designed to provoke a reaction, given the heated political climate.
Manolo Noriega
Political spats happen. At least he didn't try to deny everything.
Fuerza
Hepburn's decision to step down is a positive step for ministerial accountability, yet First Minister Swinney's description of it as merely 'one slip' seems to downplay the serious nature of the reported verbal and physical altercation.
Ongania
While the Minister's language and actions were clearly out of line for a public official, the context of a heated parliamentary debate, even if not an excuse, does offer some insight into how such confrontations can unexpectedly erupt.
Fuerza
This is bullying, plain and simple. No place for it in Parliament.
Michelangelo
Ministers should be held to a higher standard. His actions were disgraceful.
Donatello
While Hepburn's admission of 'choice words' and resignation shows some accountability, the differing accounts of physical contact make it difficult to fully assess the severity of the alleged assault.