Swinney rules out inquiry into bullying allegations against Deputy First Minister

First Minister John Swinney has dismissed allegations that Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth bullied civil servants, telling the BBC the claims were without foundation and indicating no formal inquiry would follow.

His intervention on Monday came after political opponents called for a Holyrood investigation into the matter.

The story originated with the Scottish Sun on Sunday, which reported that Gilruth had written an internal email identifying officials in her department she wished to remove.

According to the newspaper, the message was accidentally distributed to the entire department rather than her private office.

The paper was told by an insider that Gilruth had essentially listed staff members she considered unworthy of working for her, and that the email had reached all those named in it.

What the Scottish Government says

The Scottish Government issued a categorical denial. Officials stated that no such email existed, and that staffing decisions in ministerial private offices rest with civil service managers rather than ministers. Full stop.

The government acknowledged that, as is routine after a reshuffle, staffing arrangements across several ministerial offices had been reviewed following the May 2026 election, but rejected any suggestion that Gilruth had driven those changes improperly.

Swinney told the BBC there was no email sent by the Deputy First Minister or her office. He added that the absence of any factual basis meant there was nowhere for the story to go. Gilruth had not commented publicly by the time reports were published.

Opposition calls for investigation

Scottish Labour acting leader Jackie Baillie called on Swinney to open a full investigation, arguing his government must demonstrate zero tolerance for bullying. Baillie said the First Minister could not simply wave the matter away. He disagrees.

The National reported that a source speaking to the Scottish Sun had also claimed Gilruth wished to bring in her own team but was told that was not possible, and that the atmosphere in the department had left staff feeling intimidated.

Gilruth's role and background

Gilruth, a former Modern Studies teacher, served as education secretary before being appointed Deputy First Minister and Finance and Local Government Secretary in May. She is married to former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale.

Swinney's position leaves the matter closed, at least for now. No investigation is planned. The government maintains that the central allegation — the existence of the email itself, is simply untrue.