John Swinney, a former member of Alex Salmond’s cabinet, has revealed that he also stepped in to address Salmond’s bullying behaviour while he was the leader of the SNP. Swinney shared that he found it necessary to tell Salmond that his conduct was unacceptable, especially when he was overly sharp with individuals. This disclosure follows Nicola Sturgeon’s previous statements about having to intervene numerous times to curb Salmond’s bullying tendencies.
During an interview with BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Show, Swinney acknowledged that Salmond could come across as abrasive, and there were instances where it was essential to highlight that his behaviour was inappropriate. Asked if he directly instructed Salmond to cease the behaviour, Swinney simply noted, “That’s just the way it was.”
In a separate interview with the Financial Times, Sturgeon described Salmond as a formidable debater but also highlighted his tendency to bully others. Sturgeon recounted having to intervene on multiple occasions to address Salmond’s conduct. Swinney served as the finance secretary throughout Salmond’s term as first minister from 2007 to 2014, and continued in the same role under Sturgeon until her resignation in 2023.
The relationship between Sturgeon and Salmond deteriorated after the Scottish government pursued sexual harassment allegations against him. Although Salmond was ultimately acquitted of the charges in 2020, the fallout persisted, leading him to establish the pro-independence Alba party. Following Salmond’s passing in October the previous year, Sturgeon paid her respects, but was notably absent from his funeral and the Holyrood condolences debate.
Reacting to Sturgeon’s comments, Kenny Macaskill, the deputy leader of Alba, defended Salmond, portraying him as demanding but fair. Macaskill emphasised the loyalty and respect many had for Salmond, evident from the turnout at his funeral and memorial service, where numerous individuals who had worked with or for him paid their respects.
Insights:
It is crucial for leaders to address and tackle any form of abusive behaviour, including bullying, within organisations. John Swinney’s admission to intervening in Alex Salmond’s behaviour demonstrates the importance of holding even prominent figures accountable for their actions. The revelation also sheds light on the complexities of leadership dynamics, especially in environments where power dynamics can potentially enable such behaviours to go unchecked.
In the realm of politics, maintaining professionalism and respect for others is paramount, regardless of one’s position or influence. Leaders have a responsibility to foster a healthy and inclusive work environment, free from intimidation or harassment. By speaking out against such behaviour, individuals like Swinney and Sturgeon set a precedent for upholding ethical standards and promoting a culture of respect within political spheres.