Nicola Sturgeon says she has ‘absolute confidence’ in Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, who is subject of investigation

NICOLA STURGEON has said she has “absolute confidence” in an SNP General Election candidate who is the subject of an investigation by Scotland’s legal watchdog.

Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, the SNP candidate for Ochil and South Perthshire, has confirmed the Law Society of Scotland is looking into “administrative matters” relating to her time as a solicitor.

Opposition parties issued calls for her to be suspended after the probe was revealed in the Scottish Daily Mail, but these were rejected by the SNP leader during a campaign visit to Inverness.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I am aware that there have been issues raised with the Law Society, as I understand it about administrative issues within her (Ms Ahmed-Sheikh’s) former law firm.

“There are hundreds of issues raised with the Law Society every year and the Law Society has to investigate them, so Tasmina is co-operating with that investigation and I know she is confident about a satisfactory outcome.

“It doesn’t surprise me to hear my opposition are political point-scoring.

“I am absolutely confident in her as a candidate.”

In a statement, Ms Ahmed-Sheikh said: “I’m proud of my 17-year career in the legal profession. I am aware that issues have been raised with the Law Society in relation to administrative matters during my time at my former firm.

“The Law Society has a duty to uphold professional standards and they must be allowed to do so without prejudice.

“In the meantime, I’m getting on with fighting this election campaign and seeking re-election to stand up for the people of Ochil and South Perthshire.”

A spokesman for the SNP added: “The party is aware that administrative matters relating to Tasmina’s time at her former firm are being looked into.

“Hundreds of issues are raised with the Law Society every year and it is right that they investigate them.

“She has co-operated fully and is continuing her campaign to be a strong voice for the people of Ochil and South Perthshire.”

Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, said: “These are serious allegations and, four weeks out from an election, the voters of Ochil and South Perthshire need an immediate explanation.

“It would be utterly unacceptable for the SNP to try and brush this under the carpet. For once, they need to be straight with people.”

James Kelly, Scottish Labour’s General Election campaign manager, said the matter “once again raises questions about the party’s vetting process”.