A bitter political clash over urban seagulls has exploded into a full-blown scandal at the Scottish Parliament, culminating in the dramatic resignation of an SNP minister who alleges she was physically assaulted by a Conservative counterpart.
Gillian Mackay, the SNP MSP for Central Scotland, tendered her resignation as Minister for Public Health and Women's Health following a shocking confrontation with Tory MSP Stephen Kerr. The incident, which unfolded in a Holyrood committee room, is now the subject of a formal complaints process.
A Foul-Mouthed Tirade and Alleged Physical Contact
The altercation began after a meeting of the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee, which had been discussing a petition to grant protected status to seagulls. Mr. Kerr, the Scottish Tory chief whip, reportedly launched into a "foul-mouthed tirade" directed at Ms. Mackay, vehemently opposing the proposed legislation.
According to sources, the confrontation escalated rapidly. Ms. Mackay alleges that during Mr. Kerr's aggressive outburst, he "made physical contact" with her, an action she has formally reported as an assault. The alleged contact is said to have occurred as he gestured forcefully towards her.
"I Was Left Shaken": Mackay's Statement on Resignation
In her resignation statement, a clearly distressed Ms. Mackay stated: "I have never experienced behaviour of this nature from a parliamentary colleague before and I was left extremely shaken." She emphasised that such conduct should have no place in a modern parliament, adding that the incident had compromised her ability to serve in her ministerial role effectively.
Her decision to step down underscores the severity of the alleged event and highlights the intense pressure and toxic environment that can sometimes pervade political life.
Kerr's Defence and Mounting Political Fallout
In response, Stephen Kerr has strenuously denied the allegations of assault, acknowledging only that a "robust exchange of views" took place. He expressed regret that the SNP minister had "chosen to interpret our discussion in the way that she has" and confirmed he would fully cooperate with any parliamentary inquiry.
The scandal has sent shockwaves through Holyrood, drawing condemnation from across the political spectrum. First Minister John Swinney has been briefed on the incident, and presiding officer Alison Johnstone is now facing calls to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
This incident raises serious questions about conduct and decorum within the Scottish Parliament, proving that even debates about wildlife can ignite dangerously partisan flames.
