Swinney in Covid rule breach row

JOHN Swinney deleted evidence of another SNP Covid breach on the campaign trail as the government minister responsible for setting the rules was “spoken to” by police over a separate incident, we can reveal.

Mr Swinney posted a picture on social media shortly after 3pm on Friday showing him meeting with four other party activists while out leafleting for May’s Scottish Parliament elections.

But the deputy first minister quietly deleted the image hours later after SNP bosses were approached for comment over a separate breach of legal restrictions involving the party’s parliamentary business minister, Graeme Dey.

Candidates have been told a maximum of four people from two households are able to meet up for leafleting, similar to existing rules on gatherings, and that any work that cannot be done by a candidate or election agent from home is permitted.

Mr Swinney’s social media post appears to show a direct breach of the rules but the Perthshire North candidate would not comment on why he deleted the image, which attracted more than 190 retweets and 1,300 likes before it was pulled down.

“A small number of my supporters were leafleting in the same town. We should not have gathered together at that time and I apologise for that,” he said.

Lib Dem councillor Peter Barrett, who is running against Mr Swinney in the Perthshire North constituency, said he was “disappointed” Mr Swinney chose to delete evidence of the breach rather than apologise immediately.

“Perthshire North needs an MSP who will uphold high standards in public office,” Mr Barrett said.

Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative candidate in the constituency, said: “This is very embarrassing for John Swinney, who, as deputy first minister, should be very aware of the various Covid restrictions.”

Mr Swinney’s apology comes after Angus South candidate Graeme Dey offered his own “unreserved apologies” for breaking the government’s election rules on the first official day of campaigning.

Mr Dey asked at least eight people, some of whom appear to have travelled from other local authority areas, to gather near Carnoustie beach on Thursday to help “mark the first day of the Scottish election campaign”.

He did not respond to a request for comment but an SNP spokesman said activists arranged a “small, outdoor, socially distanced photograph” involving people from the nearby area but “unfortunately the ages and number of young people who came along exceeded the permitted numbers under current Covid guidance”.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Officers have since spoken to those involved and will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance, using enforcement as a last resort.”