Crawford removed true fact over concern for the ‘narrative’

I was quite taken aback at that time,” he stated.

The inquiry heard that former Deti Permanent Secretary Dr Andrew McCormick believed Dr Crawford was pushing for a delay in RHI tariff reductions.

The ex-DUP Spad said he has been “very clear that I had no part to play in that delay”.

He said he worked alongside Dr McCormick for several years and that the senior civil servant could have spoken to him about any role he believed that he had played in delaying the introduction of cost controls at the time.

Dr Crawford added: “The one thing that stands out to me and disappoints me and causes me the greatest concern is the catalogue of mistakes at various different levels and by various different people.

“I accept there were things that I done and shouldn’t have done, but it is very clear I was not responsible for the delay in the tariffs. I acted as well as I could to give the best advice to the minister I was working with at that period of time.”

Sir Patrick asked Dr Crawford if there was a hierarchy of Spads at Stormont. The former adviser acknowledged it might have been the case — particularly regarding former OFMDFM Spad Timothy Johnston — but only because of his proximity to the First Minister.

The inquiry has previously heard that Mr Johnston, who is now the DUP’s chief executive, exercised enormous control of the party, including over elected politicians.

“Issues that are controversial, that you would need First Minister involvement, you would discuss that with advisers working for the First Minister,” Dr Crawford said.

He added that he had never received a “diktat” from Mr Johnston or fellow Spad Richard Bullick.“Diktat is a new one I have to say,” said Sir Patrick.

The RHI Inquiry hearings continue next week. Mrs Foster and Mr Johnston are expected to give evidence later this month.