Nothing To Do With Me, Guv!

The official position of Nicola Sturgeon's administration is that how Scottish ministers behave on social media has nothing to do with her or the Scottish Government.

Which is absurd, of course, because Scottish ministers are not free to behave as they like and if they overstep the mark in their private lives, for example, they face the sack, as we found out when Derek Mackay, the SNP's finance minister, was forced to resign after sending inappropriate texts to a 16-year-old schoolboy.

My original complaint about Humza Yousaf related to his 'live' Twitter attacks on fellow MSPs while the Holyrood Inquiry was in session, taking evidence and questioning witnesses in a committee room at the Scottish Parliament.

So it's just a lie to say that the private behaviour of MSPs and minister is a not a matter for the First Minister or the Scottish Government - on social media or anywhere else.

Scotland's Politicians and Standards In Public Life (November 30, 2021)

In my experience of dealing with them over many years, politicians are always very keen that the members of other political parties (ie other than their own) should abide by the key principles of public life.

Here's a timely reminder of 'Nolan principles' which apply the all holders of public office - including Ministers, MSPs, MPs and local councillors.

1Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2 Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3 Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4 Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5 Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6 Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7 Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.