Scottish Conservative MSP Douglas Ross has renewed his criticism of Holyrood’s Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone, following his removal from the chamber during last week’s First Minister’s Questions. Mr Ross was ordered to leave after heckling First Minister John Swinney, prompting claims that the decision was unprecedented and potentially biased. He expressed frustration at not being given a prior warning, noting that other members, including Mr Swinney and SNP colleagues, had received warnings for similar conduct.
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Mr Ross later accused Ms Johnstone of refusing to meet with him to discuss the incident. Attempting to raise the matter through a point of order on Tuesday, he was instructed to sit down as the Presiding Officer deemed it an invalid procedural point. He challenged her again, stating that her role requires strict neutrality. Ms Johnstone responded by affirming her impartiality and said she had not received a direct request for a meeting, emphasising that she treats all members equally.
Despite repeated efforts, Mr Ross’s attempts to raise additional points of order were dismissed. In a statement released afterwards, he claimed the episode raised “serious questions” about Ms Johnstone’s conduct, suggesting either a failure in communication within her office or a deliberate misleading of parliament. He maintained that transparency and accountability were required, especially in the context of decisions affecting member participation in debates.
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The row comes amid wider tensions in Holyrood, following an earlier clash over Brexit’s impact on agriculture. Mr Ross’s interjection—accusing Mr Swinney of “deflecting”—triggered the disciplinary action. While Ms Johnstone was originally elected as a Scottish Green MSP, she resigned party affiliation upon taking the Presiding Officer role. First Minister Swinney later defended her impartiality, and a Scottish Parliament spokesperson reiterated that Mr Ross’s expulsion followed repeated warnings for failing to observe parliamentary rules.
