Jamie Hepburn apologises to Douglas Ross and the Scottish Parliament

Transcript

00:01The next item of business, I call Jamie Hepburn for a point of order.

00:07Thank you, President Officer. I promise not to detain colleagues for too long. I know we will be busy this evening.

00:13President Officer, I thank you for allowing me to make this point of order.

00:16As you are aware, we obviously spoke yesterday and you said it would be okay for me to do so.

00:22I rise to refer to my conduct last week, which has precipitated me standing down from ministerial office.

00:30I have apologised directly to Mr Ross. I reiterate that apology now.

00:35I have apologised to the First Minister and yesterday, of course, I apologised to you, President Officer.

00:39I think it is appropriate, though, that I also apologise to this chamber and to all colleagues.

00:45For those of us who love this institution, it is important that we all act in a manner that does not bring it into disrepute.

00:53I regret that my normal conduct, and people would recognise I would not normally conduct myself in such a fashion.

01:00I regret that lapse last week, and I wish to apologise to all colleagues.

01:10Thank you, Mr Hepburn.

01:12I note your remarks, and members know the responsibilities that are placed on all of us,

01:17and I expect all members to take those obligations under the Code of Conduct seriously, both within and out with the chamber.