Scottish government minister Jamie Hepburn has resigned following an altercation with former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, who accused him of assault. The incident occurred outside the parliament chamber on Wednesday after a dispute over the Scottish government's handling of gull attacks.
Ross alleged that Hepburn grabbed him by the shoulder and subjected him to verbal abuse. Hepburn denied the assault but admitted using aggressive language, prompting Ross to demand an investigation under the ministerial code. First Minister John Swinney initially defended Hepburn, who is widely respected across party lines.
In his resignation letter, Hepburn acknowledged his behaviour was inappropriate and out of character. 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.' He expressed regret that his tenure ended in such a manner after nearly 11 years in government.
Ross welcomed the resignation, calling it the 'correct decision,' and criticised Swinney for not acting sooner. Resignations of SNP ministers over matters of honour are rare; previous cases, such as that of former health secretary Michael Matheson, involved serious misconduct allegations.
Swinney accepted the resignation with 'much personal regret,' praising Hepburn's usual courtesy and respect. The altercation was not captured on CCTV, but an unnamed MSP from another party corroborated Ross's account.
