Tory MSP Douglas Ross Removed from Holyrood, Presiding Officer Faces Bias Claims

Douglas Ross, former Scottish Conservative leader and part-time football official, was expelled from the Scottish Parliament chamber by Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone during First Minister's Questions after heckling John Swinney. Johnstone cited Ross's persistent refusal to abide by parliamentary rules, while Ross and the Scottish Tories accused her of blatant bias and a lack of neutrality, pointing to her Green Party background and alleging inconsistent treatment of unionist versus nationalist politicians. Ross criticized the absence of any prior warning before his ejection, calling the action unprecedented and premeditated, and suggested he may explore options including a vote of no confidence in Johnstone if no proper explanation is provided. Other MSPs expressed surprise at the decision, with Ross warning that Johnstone risks losing support within the chamber. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Holyrood over the Presiding Officer's impartiality and the conduct and decorum expected during parliamentary sessions.