Douglas Ross says he was 'assaulted' by SNP minister Jamie Hepburn

Former Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross has said he was “physically assaulted and verbally abused” by SNP minister Jamie Hepburn in the Scottish Parliament.

Hepburn acknowledged he had used some “choice words” during an interaction between the pair but denied anything more than that.

Raising a point of order at the end of First Minister’s Questions, Ross called on First Minister John Swinney to make a statement about the matter.

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone called it a “very serious allegation” and said complaints about ministers were dealt with through the ministerial code and therefore a matter for the first minister.

Ross said: “First minister, as I left the chamber yesterday I was physically assaulted and verbally abused by your minister for parliamentary business Jamie Hepburn.

“I’m wondering if the first minister will make a statement and take an opportunity to say that he has a zero tolerance approach to threatening and intimidating behaviour by his ministers.

“I have raised this yesterday afternoon with parliamentary officials. I notice the minister for parliamentary business is not in the chamber this afternoon. Therefore, will he be making a statement on this incident later today?”

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone: “This is a very serious allegation and it's important it is dealt with through the appropriate processes.”

Asked by reporters whether he would report the altercation to the police, Ross said he would. He said: “The next step for me is to speak to the parliamentary police, which I've arranged to do this afternoon.”

The code of conduct for ministers states that they “should be professional in all their dealings and treat all those with whom they come into contact with consideration and respect”.

It goes on: “Harassing, bullying or other inappropriate or discriminating behaviour, wherever it takes place, is not consistent with the Ministerial Code and will not be tolerated.”

The incident is said to have taken place after a Wednesday afternoon debate brought by Ross on seagulls.

Responding to questions from reporters, Swinney said he was hearing about the matter for the first time in the chamber, having been representing the Scottish Government at the state visit by Donald Trump on Wednesday.

He said he would “consider these issues” and declined to say whether Hepburn would face suspension.

Speaking to reporters later on Thursday, Hepburn said: “Yesterday, yeah, I put my hand on his shoulder and probably used a few choice words I shouldn’t have. That’s it.”

When pressed on whether he would apologise to Ross, he said: “I’m clearly sorry that I conducted myself in the fashion I did. I recognise that I let myself down. But that is the extent of it. Some of what’s been suggested does not tally with the reality.”