Scottish Labour faces a major investigation as Police Scotland confirms it is examining allegations of a data protection breach within the party's Holyrood operations. The probe centres on claims that parliamentary email accounts were improperly accessed, potentially compromising sensitive information.
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB), which governs Holyrood's operations, reported the matter to authorities after discovering potential misconduct. A spokesperson confirmed that appropriate steps have been taken to secure systems while the investigation proceeds.
Police Scotland acknowledged the inquiry, stating: "We can confirm we are investigating a report regarding a potential data breach within the Scottish Parliament. Inquiries are at an early stage."
The Information Commissioner's Office, Britain's data protection watchdog, has also been notified of the potential breach. A spokesperson confirmed they are "making inquiries" into the incident.
Scottish Labour has remained tight-lipped about the allegations. A party spokesperson stated: "We are aware of this matter and are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities." The party has not commented on whether any disciplinary actions have been taken against staff members involved.
The investigation comes at a sensitive time for Scottish Labour, which has been seeking to position itself as a government-in-waiting ahead of upcoming elections. Opposition parties have called for complete transparency as the police investigation unfolds.
Holyrood officials have emphasised that parliamentary IT systems remain secure and that no broader compromise of parliamentary data has been identified. The SPCB continues to work with investigators to determine the full extent of any potential breach.
