A senior SNP MSP has dodged questions on a Government probe into claims he bullied civil servants.
Fergus Ewing has claimed he is “bound by confidentiality” after the investigation was completed.
Asked if he bullied staff, he said: “I have said what I’ve got to say.”
Ewing was reportedly the subject of a bullying complaint by civil servants when he was Sturgeon’s Rural Economy and Tourism Cabinet Secretary.
The allegations, which Ewing denies, escalated into a formal process in 2020.
The probe was finished last year, but First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has refused to comment on the outcome.
She cited “GDPR privacy issues” and later said she could risk breaching the law by answering questions.
Ewing, who is no longer a Minister, was asked by the Record in Parliament if the Government should publish the findings.
He said: “I can’t add anything to what the First Minister has said.”
Asked why he could not, he replied: “I am bound by confidentiality.”
Scottish Labour MSP Neill Bibby said: “It is simply shocking to see Fergus Ewing refuse to deny the allegation that he has bullied staff and hide behind confidentiality.
“It is clear for all to see that the culture of this SNP government is one of cover-up and secrecy.
“The public deserve to know the outcome of this investigation as a matter of transparency.
“After 15 years of being in government, we need to know why Nicola Sturgeon thinks it’s one standard for her government and another standard for everyone else.”
Sturgeon has faced calls from senior figures in the SNP for transparency in the Ewing case.
Alex Neil, a former SNP Health Secretary, said: “On a point of principle, if there has been an investigation it is only right that Parliament is informed about the outcome.
“The Sturgeon Government is getting a reputation for unnecessary secrecy and they need to open up as much as possible.”
SNP MP Joanna Cherry also called for openness last month in a tweet:
“Bullying is a significant issue in politics. Of course all allegations should be investigated and, if the fact there is an allegation is in the public domain, the outcome of the investigation should be made public. That is only fair to all concerned.”
Ewing, who has been an MSP from the first day of the Parliament in 1999, is the son of Nationalist legend Winnie.
He was a junior minister under Alex Salmond before being promoted by Sturgeon to the Cabinet.
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