Allegations that a female Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) was secretly recorded by her own staff member have rocked Scottish politics, prompting widespread condemnation and raising urgent questions about workplace safety and party accountability at Holyrood. The incident, reportedly involving a male staffer planting a recording device in the office of an unnamed female MSP in late 2023, has drawn sharp criticism from leaders across the political spectrum and exposed what some insiders describe as deeper, systemic issues within the Scottish National Party (SNP).
The scandal came to light after The Scotsman newspaper reported that the staffer, who had worked under four first ministers and previously served as an aide to a Cabinet secretary, admitted to planting the device during a Human Resources (HR) probe into a separate matter. Despite this admission, the man reportedly faced no disciplinary action and instead moved on to work for a male MP, while continuing to hold a senior post in a local SNP branch. According to BBC Scotland News, the individual no longer works for an elected representative but remains an office bearer in the party's local association.
First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney was quick to denounce the revelations, telling reporters on December 18, 2025, "I'm not familiar with all of the details... but that type of conduct is completely and utterly unacceptable. Individuals are entitled to operate in an open and transparent environment and shouldn't be subjected to that kind of behaviour." Swinney emphasized that MSPs, not the party itself, are responsible for hiring their own staff, adding, "As far as I understand the story, the person is not employed by the party, so the party does not have, can't control things, it's not going to control that."
The response from the Scottish Parliament has been similarly firm, if somewhat procedural. A spokesperson explained, "Each MSP is an employer in their own right and is responsible for managing staff welfare issues and employment disputes. Complaints about staff conduct are investigated by an independent adviser, and it is for the Member to act on their findings accordingly. As a matter of standard practice, we do not comment upon or confirm any individual cases."
Behind the official statements, however, the emotional toll on those affected has been significant. Sources close to the unnamed MSP described her as "deeply distressed" by the discovery of the bugging device, requiring counseling support arranged through the Scottish Parliament. As reported by Sky News, victims in the case sought counseling in the aftermath, and insiders have suggested that the episode is "not a one-off incident," with women in the party "habitually treated differently." One party source told The Scotsman, "This is a man who was actively trying to undermine a politician in the party of government and because he’s talented and highly competent, he’s still there. It’s another spy scandal and it’s been swept under the carpet. Everyone has been let down."
The handling of the incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and even from within SNP ranks. Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie called the allegations "jaw-dropping," arguing, "It appears a grave breach of privacy and potentially criminal behaviour has been swept under the carpet by the SNP. Once again it looks like the SNP chose to close ranks and protect their own, rather than dealing with serious misconduct head-on. John Swinney must come clean about what he knew and when." The Scottish Conservative party echoed these sentiments, with a spokesperson stating, "This is an appalling situation for anyone to have experienced at their place of work. Serious questions must be asked as to why senior figures in the SNP, including Humza Yousaf, appeared to sweep this incident under the carpet and why this individual is still involved with the party. The onus is on the SNP to be as transparent as possible and clarify what action was taken and why."
Adding to the controversy, Sky News reported that the staffer, after the incident came to light, continued to be promoted by senior members of the executive, with one senior party source insisting, "the SNP did nothing; indeed he simply got moved and continued to be promoted by very senior members of executive." The same source claimed that the party "definitely has a woman problem," suggesting a broader pattern of complaints from female politicians not being taken seriously.
Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry was among those calling for stronger action, stating, "This individual should have been reported to the police and Parliament. Why have the SNP taken no disciplinary action against him?" The issue was reportedly raised with Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone, as staff sought reassurance over how Parliament deals with workplace misconduct.
The SNP itself maintains that it has no direct involvement in the employment processes of parliamentarians. A party spokesperson explained, "The SNP has no involvement in the employment processes of parliamentarians. That is a confidential matter between elected members, employees, and Scottish Parliament authorities. The reports outline a very traumatic situation for those involved and nobody should ever have to experience fear or harassment for doing their job."
Employment arrangements for MSP staffers are, by design, decentralized. Each MSP is considered the employer for their own staff, with Holyrood offering access to an external HR process for disputes and complaints. While this system is intended to provide independence and flexibility for MSPs, critics argue that it can also result in a lack of accountability and inconsistent handling of serious misconduct.
The timing of the bugging case has also intensified scrutiny, as it follows other recent workplace misconduct allegations at Holyrood, including the high-profile case of Labour MSP Colin Smyth, who was charged in August with placing a hidden camera in a Parliament toilet and possessing indecent images. This broader context has fueled calls for a review of how the Scottish Parliament manages staff complaints and protects the welfare of its members and employees.
For now, the identity of the affected MSP remains confidential, but those close to her describe her as "liked, rated and respected by her colleagues." The staffer at the center of the bugging scandal is alleged to have leaked private details about his former employer to the media, further compounding the sense of betrayal and mistrust within the party.
As the investigation by Scottish Parliament officials continues, the case has become a flashpoint for debates about transparency, gender equality, and the responsibilities of political parties to ensure safe and respectful workplaces. With opposition leaders demanding answers and the public watching closely, the SNP faces mounting pressure to address both the specific incident and the broader cultural issues it has brought to light.
The bugging scandal has not only shaken confidence in internal party processes but also raised fundamental questions about trust, privacy, and accountability at the heart of Scottish public life.
