WITH the next Scottish Parliament election around eight months away, Scotland’s ethics watchdog has urged councillors and other elected members to raise the tone of political debate amid growing concern over abusive conduct.
The Standards Commission for Scotland says it has seen a rise in referrals about disrespectful behaviour by elected membersnot just towards opponents, but also towards council officers and even members of the public taking part in meetings.
The Commission, an independent body that promotes and enforces councillor Codes of Conduct, can censure, suspend or in the most serious casesdisqualify councillors found to have breached the rules.
Over the past year, the watchdog has upheld complaints and issued suspensions in cases including: an elected member being rude, aggressive and confrontational to a member of the public appearing before a committee; bullying of a relatively junior council officer; personal abuse and harassment of a fellow councillor.
The Commission says the tone of political discourse is damaging public engagement and eroding confidence in representatives. While much attention has focused on abuse aimed at politicians, officials say misconduct by politicians themselves is also a growing problem that must be addressed before the campaign season intensifies.
As part of its push, the Standards Commission is encouraging elected members to sign the Jo Cox Foundation Civility Pledge, which asks representatives to: use a civil and constructive tone in debate; act with integrity, honesty and compassion; behave respectfully towards others, including those they disagree with.
Suzanne Vestri, Convenor of the Standards Commission for Scotland, said: “How politicians conduct themselves and interact with others in person, during debates, at meetings and on social media, has a significant impact on the standards of public debate. Thats why we’re calling for greater respect from our elected members, especially as emotions run high on the run up to the forthcoming parliamentary elections.
“The Standards Commission for Scotland welcomes robust debate and asks politicians to lead by example by following the Civility Pledge and demonstrating the high standards of conduct the public is entitled to expect.
“The Commission also continues to provide training and guidance on the Codes of Conduct and says robust, respectful scrutiny–rather than personal attack–should be the hallmark of local and national politics.”
The move comes as councils across Scotland prepare for heightened political activity in the run-up to the 2026 Holyrood election, expected in
late spring.
