Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop asks for probe into bully claim

One of Holyrood’s most senior ministers has asked for an independent investigation after an aide blamed her behaviour for two suicide attempts.

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop’s employee claimed she had “put up with six months of harassment, lies and gossiping”.

In a series of tweets, the aide said Ms Hyslop’s conduct was “directly responsible” after she twice tried to take her own life. She claimed that she had complained about the actions of a colleague in January but Ms Hyslop had failed to take action.

Ms Hyslop could now be interviewed by a human resources company which has been instructed by parliamentary authorities to carry out the probe.

The employee resigned last week but was still on the payroll, according to Ms Hyslop’s spokesman.

He said: “The employee has asked that their resignation does not take effect until the end of August. Therefore the employee is still under the duty of care of Ms Hyslop.

“The version of events as depicted by the employee, is not recognised and in the interests of fairness it is why Ms Hyslop has asked for an independent investigation.”

The Scottish Parliament said: “To ensure confidence in our procedures, and fairness to all, we do not comment upon allegations.”