THE richest MSP in Scotland, who owns a property business, could be banned from tabling questions at Holyrood after using the process to lobby against a rival firm.
Tory MSP Alexander Burnett could be facing an unprecedented ban after breaking the parliament's code of conduct for the second time in recent weeks.
The SNP accused Burnett, who is thought to be Scotland's richest MSP, of “the worst kind of self-serving politics”.
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Burnett failed to declare any personal interests when submitting written questions to parliament effectively lobbying against a property company in Banchory, despite owning a construction company headquartered in the same town.
French former SNP MSP Christian Allard complained to the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland following the act, leading to the finding.
Burnett was also reprimanded for failing to declare business interests for another business two weeks ago when tabling questions about domestic rates.
Although at the time Holyrood's standards committee viewed it as a rookie mistake, this second incident in two weeks has led to a recommendation that parliament ban him from writing questions for two weeks.
This would be the first time an MSP has been specifically banned from tabling questions.
Burnett claimed there had been no conflict of interest at the time.
Clare Adamson, SNP convenor of the standards committee, stated: “The Committee has considered a complaint from Christian Allard about Alexander Burnett MSP.
“The complaint is that Alexander Burnett failed to declare his registered interests when submitting Parliamentary Questions on 4 August 2016.
“The Committee is unanimous in the decisions reached on the complaint.
“Firstly, it agrees with the findings in fact and conclusion of the Commissioner. Secondly, it considers that the breach justifies the imposition of a sanction on Alexander Burnett.
“The final decision on whether to issue a sanction lies with the Parliament.
“The Committee will recommend that Alexander Burnett be prohibited from lodging Parliamentary Questions for written answer for a period of two weeks.
“I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Committee to remind all MSPs that they are obliged by law and by the Code of Conduct to make the appropriate written and oral declarations if they have a declarable interest before taking part in any proceedings of the Parliament.”
Burnett owns a proprty empire worth £20 million and is the beneficiary of multi-million pound trusts. He is excected to be pay himself between £115,000 and £120,000 in 2016/17 despite only spending one day a month in the business.
Allard, who is now an Aberdeen City Councillor, said: “This is a very serious matter indeed, but it’s not a first for Alexander Burnett. In fact, it’s the second time in two weeks he’s been reprimanded for playing fast and loose with parliamentary rules.
“These rules are in place for good reason – to ensure fairness, transparency and to reassure the public that MSPs are putting their constituents first, not their own business interests.
“This behaviour is the worst kind of self-serving politics, which not only seriously undermines trust in Mr Burnett, but also damages the credibility of the Scottish Parliament itself.
“It’s high time Mr Burnett was brought to book for treating the people of Aberdeenshire West with such contempt. He owes them a public apology for his actions.
“After all, if he’s having his wings clipped in parliament then they lose their voice at Holyrood as a result. For that, Mr Burnett has only himself to blame.
“Ruth Davidson now needs to face up to this embarrassment for the Tories – condemn Mr Burnett’s actions and finally offer a full apology on behalf of her party for ever questioning the right of an EU citizen to have their voice heard on a legitimate matter of public concern.”
Burnett responded, saying: “I have made a full and open declaration of my business interests in accordance with parliamentary rules.
“It was my judgement at the time that there was no conflict of interest as I was simply acting on behalf of several hundred very concerned constituents.
"However, I accept the decision of the committee in this case and will not contest any sanction that is imposed.
"I will also be advising my party colleagues to support the recommendation of the committee when it comes to the chamber for a final decision."
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