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SNP leader John Swinney condemns alleged office bugging of female MSP
John Swinney called the alleged bugging of an MSP’s office unacceptable, with the implicated staffer facing no formal action and remaining active in SNP local politics.
- On Thursday First Minister John Swinney said the reported conduct of a male staffer secretly recording an MSP's office was completely unacceptable.
- The case resurfaced after scrutiny tied to Labour MSP Colin Smyth and Scottish Parliament officials say they are investigating the matter following reports in the press.
- Investigators say the male staffer admitted planting recording devices during an HR probe, faced no sanction, moved to work for a Westminster MP, and remains active in local SNP campaigning.
- First Minister John Swinney said the staffer was not employed by the SNP and hiring decisions are down to individual MPs, while Scottish Parliament spokesman reiterated MSPs are responsible for staff issues.
- Critics say the handling exposes a broader 'woman problem' and allege it was 'swept under the carpet' by party insiders as the man continues local campaigning ahead of Holyrood elections.
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Will this bug John Swinney and the SNP until election day?
BREAKING: SNP leader John Swinney condemns alleged office bugging of female MSP Read more ?https://t.co/oGrkidnJ8Q— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 18, 2025 EXC ?: A female SNP MSP's office was 'bugged' by her male staff member The man then went on to work for an SNP MP and is still involved in his local constituency groupConcerns have now been raised at Holyrood over the 'jaw-dropping' situation https://t.co/LPQAScHZ2b— Catriona Stewart (@Catrion…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources9
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 33%
R 17%
Factuality
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