Nicola Sturgeon refers herself to ministerial watchdog over contact with Alex Salmond

Scotland’s first minister insists discussions over sexual harassment claims complied with ‘ministerial code’

Adam Forrest
Sunday 13 January 2019 16:37 GMT
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Ms Sturgeon said independent advisers would examine the matter
Ms Sturgeon said independent advisers would examine the matter

Nicola Sturgeon will refer herself to the Scottish government’s ministerial watchdog over her discussions with Alex Salmond following sexual harassment allegations made against him.

Scotland’s first minister said that she met Mr Salmond on three occasions and had spoken to him on the phone twice after the allegations were made by two women to the Scottish government in January 2018.

On Tuesday, the Scottish government’s handling of the historic claims against the former first minister Mr Salmond was ruled unlawful by Scotland’s highest civil court. A police investigation into the accusations – which date back to December 2013 – continues.

Ms Sturgeon said: “It is in the interests of the women who have complained that the ongoing police investigations are allowed to continue without any risk of prejudice. That must be the priority for everyone.

“Questions have been raised about my meetings and telephone calls with Alex Salmond during the government’s investigation into the complaints which were made.

“I have acted appropriately and in good faith throughout, and in compliance with the ministerial code at all times. However, I have reflected carefully and understand that it is also important for parliament and the wider public to be assured of that.

“I have therefore decided to refer the matter for consideration by one or both of the independent advisers on the ministerial code.”

Opposition parties in Scotland had been calling for Ms Sturgeon to make the referral to the watchdog, with Scottish Conservative deputy leader Jackson Carlaw calling the situation “a shambles” during First Minister’s Questions in Edinburgh on Tuesday.

Mr Salmond has strongly denied accusations of two instances of sexual harassment and has accused the Scottish government’s permanent secretary Leslie Evans of “behaving unlawfully” over her handling of the complaints.

His successor as SNP leader maintained that the complaints would not be ignored, but insisted she would not be commenting further.

Ms Sturgeon said: “The independent advisers will now be consulted on their precise remit, and advice will also be sought on how to ensure that there is no risk of prejudice to the ongoing police investigation. The remit will be published in due course.

“The fact remains that at the centre of this issue are two women whose complaints could not be swept under the carpet.

“Any continuing commentary about these issues at this stage – whether from myself, the government or Mr Salmond and his representatives – would only serve to distract from, and potentially compromise, the proper consideration by the police of the subject matter of their investigations. That is something we will not do.”

Additional reporting by Press Association

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