FM’S WARNING TO POWER BLOKERS
Sturgeon tells male colleagues to ‘reflect on your own behaviour’
NICOLA Sturgeon last night warned powerful male colleagues to “reflect on your own behaviour” as the sexual harassment scandal continued to rock Holyrood.
The First Minister sent a stark letter to every SNP staff member asking men to think about any lesson they could learn in the wake of revelations that two of the party’s politicians are being investigated over complaints.
She also revealed she has appointed a lawyer “outside the party structure” who victims can raise concerns with in confidence.
In the letter, Sturgeon said: “To those of you in positions of power, I urge you to take some time to reflect on your own behaviour.
“Read what women in particular have been saying about their experiences in the workplace and consider whether any of those instances would ever apply to your past or current behaviour.
“To those who may have been on the receiving end of inappropriate behaviour in whatever form, I want you to know that you can feel confident coming forward.”
She sent deputy John Swinney to field questions in the Scottish Parliament after the Record revealed three male MSPs had been accused of “creepy” behaviour. After the claims, the SNP admitted a probe was under way into complaints of sexual harassment by two of their politicians.
Swinney said: “The government want to make clear that it is the conduct and behaviour of men that needs to change if we are to end the sexual harassment and abuse of women in their workplace, their social life or in their home.
“As the most senior male minister in the Scottish Government, I wanted to make clear that it is up to men to make these changes and men must examine their own behaviour.”
Holyrood’s presiding officer Ken Macintosh confirmed an anonymous survey will be sent to staff to assess the extent of the problem and a confidential helpline will be opened by the end of the week.
The Scottish Government’s top civil servant will also review the way complaints are handled.
Labour MSP Monica Lennon said allegations of sexism and harassment were “sickening but unfortunately not surprising”.
Tory MSP Annie Wells said her party took the issue “very seriously” and had committed to review their procedures.
Holyrood said the number of cases of inappropriate behaviour or harassment raised with officials over the last five years was “in single figures”.