Nicola Sturgeon issues statement on Alex Salmond investigation

FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she had been aware for “some time” of an investigation into the conduct of her predecessor Alex Salmond and that she has had no role in the process.

The Scottish Government has confirmed it received two complaints in January this year regarding former SNP leader Salmond, who denies allegations of harassment.

In a statement, Ms Sturgeon said: “My relationship with Alex Salmond obviously makes this an extremely difficult situation for me to come to terms with.

“Complaints were made in January relating to Alex Salmond by two individuals.

“These complaints have been considered since then under a procedure covering ministers and former ministers that was agreed by me in December 2017 in the wake of public concern about harassment.

“Although I have been aware for some time of the fact of the investigation – initially from Alex Salmond – I have had no role in the process, and to have referred to it before now would have compromised the integrity of the internal investigation, which I was not prepared to do.

“However, I was informed by the Permanent Secretary earlier this week that she had completed her investigation and that she intended to make the fact of the complaints public.

“Alex Salmond is now challenging the Scottish Government’s procedure in court. The Scottish Government refutes his criticisms of its process and will defend its position vigorously.

“However, this focus on process cannot deflect from the fact that complaints were made that could not be ignored or swept under the carpet.”

Ms Sturgeon’s statement continued: “I have been clear on many occasions that all organisations and workplaces must make it possible for people to come forward to report concerns and have confidence that they will be treated seriously.

“For that principle to mean anything it cannot be applied selectively. It must be applied without fear or favour, regardless of the identity, seniority or political allegiance of the person involved.

“My relationship with Alex Salmond obviously makes this an extremely difficult situation for me to come to terms with. I am also acutely aware how upsetting this will be for my party.

“However the over-riding priority must be to ensure fair and due process. I would also ask that the privacy of those who have complained be respected.”

A statement from Permanent Secretary at the Scottish Government Leslie Evans said: “Last November, I agreed with the First Minister that, in light of wider concerns about harassment in Westminster and the Scottish Parliament, an internal review would be carried out into the Scottish Government’s procedures for handling complaints in the workplace.

“As part of that review, a new procedure on handling harassment complaints involving current or former ministers was introduced.

“Following the conclusion of an internal investigation I can confirm that the Scottish Government received two complaints in January in relation to Alex Salmond.

“Mr Salmond was notified of the complaints in March and the details of the procedure under which the complaints would be addressed.”

The statement continued: “I informed Mr Salmond and the people involved on Wednesday, August 22 of my conclusions and that I was considering the public interest in making the fact of the complaints and investigation publicly known.

“Mr Salmond was subsequently given notice that I intended to make a statement referring to the fact of the complaints.

“Following legal proceedings instigated by Mr Salmond yesterday that statement was delayed. However, given that Mr Salmond subsequently dropped those proceedings I am now able to confirm the fact of the complaints.

“I note that the former first minister has indicated his intention to challenge the actions taken by the Scottish Government.

“His statement contains significant inaccuracies which will be addressed in those court proceedings. The Scottish Government will defend its position vigorously.”