Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick criticises 'unacceptable' behaviour of MSPs

Holyrood’s presiding officer Tricia Marwick denounced MSPs for “unacceptable” behaviour amid angry exchanges during First Minister’s Questions.

Marwick suggested MSPs review footage of their behaviour after tempers flared less than 24 hours on from the Scottish Government’s 2016-17 draft budget passing its first parliamentary hurdle.

Labour’s proposal to increase the Scottish Rate of Income Tax by 1p above the level settled on by Finance Secretary John Swinney was voted down by SNP and Conservative MSPs yesterday.

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However, the issue of tax dominated a heated FMQs with Marwick forced to intervene on several occasions and call for order.

Marwick said: “Before I end First Minister’s Questions can I just say this to all members. Some of the behaviour in the chamber today has been quite unacceptable.

“Can I suggest that members review the footage of First Minister’s Questions and consider whether they showed themselves and this parliament in the best light.”

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale earlier claimed that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had “sold herself as the radical alternative to Tory austerity” only to have then “sold out the people who needed her the most”.

Sturgeon dismissed Labour’s proposed £100 rebate – which the party said would be paid out annually to those earning under £20,000 – as a “total con”.