A video has captured the moment the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats tried to join parliament from an outside bar.
In a video posted on X, MP Alex Cole-Hamilton received jeers after allegedly trying to take part in a discussion on a Parliamentary bill.
Mr Cole-Hamilton appeared in the chamber on a video feed to make a point of order. MPs erupted into cheers as he tried to make a point using his phone.
Mr Cole-Hamilton is now facing calls from fellow MPs to apologise for his actions which included repeatedly touching his hair and unbuttoning his shirt.
In response to the video, deputy presiding officer and fellow Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur can be seen shaking his head.
The National reported that Energy Secretary Neil Gray was spotted holding his hand over his mouth as fellow MSPs giggled, while MPs claimed he was outside Margos, the Parliament’s bar.
When Mr Cole-Hamilton reconnected he said: “Can you hear me now, presiding officer? Sorry about that. I couldn’t connect and would have voted no.”
In a statement, an SNP spokesperson said: “If this is true, it’s disgraceful behaviour in any workplace, not least the Scottish Parliament.
“People rightly expect politicians to conduct themselves properly and show respect for the job they are elected to do on their behalf. Alex Cole-Hamilton should apologise and provide assurances it won’t happen again.”
Chief whip for the Scottish Tory group Alexander Burnett added: “Alex Cole-Hamilton has some serious explaining to do.
“The public will want to know why the LibDem leader thought this was appropriate behaviour. This incident fell far below those standards and he should apologise.”
Speaking to the Scottish Sun, Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “I take the proceedings of Parliament very seriously. My voting record speaks for itself in casting my ballot every time that I possibly can.
“MSPs regularly vote remotely and on this occasion, fewer than a third were present to vote in person. After decision time, I immediately sought out the deputy presiding officer to apologise for not arriving at the chamber in time.”
One constituent was not impressed with Mr Cole-Hamilton’s actions and wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “As a constituent of yours I’d really like an explanation of what occurred here. Even your party colleague was let’s say “not amused” at this behaviour.”
