The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Ewing snubs probe questions
Asenior SNP politician has been accused of contributing to a culture of “cover-up and secrecy” after refusing to address the findings of a bullying investigation.
Fergus Ewing is reported to be the subject of complaints by three civil servants from when he served as the cabinet secretary for rural economy and tourism.
The allegations against the 64-year-old Inverness and Nairn MSP – which he denies – escalated into a formal process in 2020.
The probe was completed last year but First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her government were criticised for refusing to comment on the outcome.
Ms Sturgeon came under pressure to disclose the findings in May at parliament.
She refused, citing the “very considerable legal data protection issues that I am bound by”.
Mr Ewing was challenged directly by journalists at the Scottish Parliament but refused to discuss the investigation.
Shortly after leaving the debating chamber on Wednesday afternoon, he was asked whether he believes the government should publish the findings.
Mr Ewing pointed to the reporter’s mobile phone to ask if he was recording, and who had authorised him to do so.
After being told he was standing in a public place so recording was allowed, Mr Ewing was again asked whether he thought the government should publish the findings. He said: “I can’t add anything to what the first minister has said.”
Scottish Labour MSP
Neil Bibby criticised the lack of transparency.
He said: “It is simply shocking to see Fergus Ewing refuse to deny the allegation that he has bullied staff and hide behind confidentiality.
“It is clear for all to see that the culture of this SNP government is one of cover-up and secrecy.”
Patrick Harvie, a Green MSP in the government, said ministers have a responsibility to be transparent while also protecting employees.
SNP MP Joanna Cherry has also called for the outcome to be made public.
After being quizzed about the complaint at Holyrood, Ms Sturgeon said: “These are serious issues, they have to be treated seriously, but they also have to be treated within the confines of the law that applies.”