Complaint To The Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland Regarding Anas Sarwar's Conduct

 

This action is a formal complaint regarding Anas Sarwar’s disgraceful behaviour during First Minister's Questions (FMQs) in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday February 5, 2026.

 

Anas Sarwar, Branch Manager of Labour in Scotland, engaged in a heated exchange with First Minister John Swinney over the ongoing inquiry into water contamination at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH). 

 

Contemporary accounts described Sarwar's conduct as an "astonishing outburst," with him shouting across the chamber, drawing only limited applause from his own MSPs, and being perceived as "bang out of order" or "appalling." Observers noted it as immature, disruptive, and an attempt to pressure the inquiry chair, with some calling it "disgraceful" and unprofessional.

 

My belief is that Anas Sarwar’s conduct breached these rules. I therefore wish that the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland investigates the incident, and if a breach is found, the matter goes to the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, which may recommend sanctions to the full Parliament.

 

++The pane to the right of this under 'SUBJECT' is draft text for your guidance.  The pane is free-form, therefore could you please either overwrite the first and last paragraphs inserting your own words, or preferably overwrite everything with your own words. Many thanks.++