A Scottish Minister has resigned after a confrontation with former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross during a row over gulls.
Jaime Hepburn, the minister for parliamentary business, resigned after Ross claimed he had assaulted him outside the parliamentary chamber on 17 September.
Hepburn denied the assault but acknowledged he put his hand on the former Scottish Conservative leader’s shoulder and used “a few choice words.”
In his resignation letter, Hepburn acknowledged his behaviour was inappropriate and said it was “quite out of character.” He said: “I believe I have not acted in accordance with my own personal code of practice.”
Ross said Hepburn’s resignation was the “correct decision”, arguing that John Swinney, the First Minister, should have dismissed him immediately.
Swinney had defended Hepburn, who is widely liked within the Scottish National Party (SNP) and respected by his opponents.
Ross, who quit as Scotland’s Tory leader in a row over his bid to become an MP at the last election, has often been accused by critics of deliberately provoking ministers. One student said that it is unlikely to affect their vote, given Ross’s reputation.
Graeme Dey has been appointed to replace Hepburn’s ministerial role, taking on the role after serving as minister for higher and further education.
“Scots Parliament debating chamber” by Rock drum is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.