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Former SNP colleagues accuse Holyrood Presiding Officer of bullying
Former SNP colleagues have accused Kenneth Gibson, Holyrood’s Presiding Officer, of bullying and aggressive behaviour dating back to his time as a backbench MSP. The allegations have renewed scrutiny of how the party handled complaints against a senior figure.
Former MSP Dorothy-Grace Elder said complaints about Gibson’s temper and conduct towards women were repeatedly dismissed, while retired GP and former SNP official Malcolm Kerr said complainants were never told the outcome of a process begun in 2000. The SNP says the matters were handled under its internal procedures but there was insufficient evidence to proceed; Gibson did not respond to requests for comment.
In short
- Former SNP figures allege Gibson bullied colleagues.
- Complainants say they were not told outcomes.
- The SNP says evidence was insufficient to proceed.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those seeking renewed scrutiny can argue that repeated complaints about alleged aggressive conduct, especially towards women, deserve a transparent and careful response. If complainants were not told the outcome of a process, that raises reasonable questions about accountability and whether the party’s procedures treated them fairly.
The case against
A cautious view is that allegations should not be treated as established facts, particularly when Gibson has not responded and the SNP says there was insufficient evidence to proceed. Internal complaints processes must assess evidence fairly and protect all parties from conclusions based solely on accusation; the reported account does not establish what evidence was available or how the process was conducted.
Explained simply
The Scottish Parliament, known as Holyrood, is where elected members debate laws and hold the Scottish Government to account. Its Presiding Officer chairs debates, oversees parliamentary business and is expected to act impartially.
Kenneth Gibson is a Scottish National Party (SNP) MSP who previously served as a backbench member, taking part in parliamentary work without a front-bench government or opposition role. The SNP is a political party that has governed Scotland at various times since devolution.
The accounts concern how the party dealt with complaints about a senior member and whether those who raised concerns were told how they were handled. The issue matters because parties set their own internal processes for complaints, while the Presiding Officer’s parliamentary role carries responsibilities for fairness and impartiality.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “SNP’s Holyrood chief accused of bullying by own party colleagues”.