Scottish parliamentary business minister Jamie Hepburn has resigned after a clash with Tory MSP Douglas Ross, the Government has announced.
Mr Hepburn was accused by the former Scottish Tory leader of assaulting him by firmly grabbing his shoulder before launching into a foul-mouthed tirade.
The now former minister rejected claims he had been physical with Mr Ross, but admitted to using “choice words”.
In a letter to First Minister John Swinney, Mr Hepburn said he did not want to become a “distraction” to the Government.
“I believe my continued presence as one of your ministers would do so,” he wrote.
“In such circumstances I believe it is best that I stand down with immediate effect.”
He added: “With no sense of personal pity, having served continuously in Government for almost 11 years, it is a source of regret that my tenure in ministerial office comes to an end in this fashion.
“In the immediate period it will be the greater part of what is reported out of my time in office, but I hope it is felt that I have made a positive contribution across the various roles I have held serving in your government and that of your two predecessors. Others will of course be the judge of that.”
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