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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Craig Paton

Holyrood Presiding Officer delays budget to investigate ‘leak’

PA Archive

The Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer has delayed the announcement of the Government’s tax and spending plans to investigate a potential leak to the BBC.

The broadcaster published a story during First Minister’s Questions on Thursday which said Deputy First Minister John Swinney will increase taxes in his budget to cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

The story caused uproar in the chamber, with three MSPs – Conservatives Murdo Fraser and Stephen Kerr, and Labour’s Neil Bibby – urging Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone to take action.

I am therefore suspending this meeting for 30 minutes
— Alison Johnstone

Ms Johnstone has previously sanctioned ministers for leaks, not allowing them to make a statement in Holyrood and instead moving straight to questions.

Upon entering the chamber ahead of the statement on Thursday, the Presiding Officer said: “Members will be aware of my response to points of order raised at the end of First Minister’s Questions regarding information related to this afternoon’s budget statement.

“As I said at that point I would investigate this matter, I have been unable to conclude my deliberations in the time available and I am therefore suspending this meeting for 30 minutes.”

Ms Johnstone then swiftly left the chamber.

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