Pressure mounts on bully probe top cop to step aside
Politicians say new crisis adds to chaos in force
SCOTLAND’S chief constable was under pressure last night to stand aside while allegations that he bullied a senior officer are probed.
Phil Gormley could be sacked if the claims made by a male superintendent working at his office in Tulliallan Castle, Fife, are upheld.
Gormley, who has only been in the post for 18 months, is now facing demands to temporarily stand down to avoid further damage to the reputation of the beleaguered force.
But the 53-year-old has insisted he will remain at work while the allegations are probed by the independent Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.
Force watchdog the Scottish Police Authority also said that they do not believe a suspension is required.
The latest controversy erupted just days after the Record revealed Gormley, who took up his post in January 2016, is expected to leave by next Easter.
Police Scotland’s second-highest ranked officer, Iain Livingstone, has also announced he is to quit the force.
The bullying claims against Gormley were referred to PIRC by the SPA after a complaint two weeks ago.
The Record understands a female police officer has also made a separate complaint of alleged bullying to her union. Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said Gormley should step aside while the “incredibly serious” claims are probed. He said: “As Police Scotland seek to recover from the chaos of the last few years, they need a chief constable with the authority to assist with that recovery.
“These allegations of gross misconduct require a thorough and prompt investigation.
“It will be necessary for the chief constable to seek leave of absence from his post. Any leave of absence should not imply acceptance of guilt.”
But SPA deputy chair Nicola Marchant revealed Gormley would remain in post after the issue was discussed at a board meeting.
She said: “At this stage, having carefully considered and balanced the various investigatory and public interest criteria … the SPA take the view that a suspension is not appropriate.
“As with any process of this nature, that is an issue we will keep under review. We welcome the public commitment by the chief constable that he will cooperate fully with the PIRC and provide all necessary assistance.
“This sends a clear signal of intent and we have no doubts that this is also the full expectation of the PIRC investigators.”
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said the fresh chaos at the heart of Police Scotland was a concern. He added: “The public will need to be reassured that if there has been any wrongdoing, it will be swiftly dealt with.”
Scottish Labour’s justice spokeswoman Claire Baker said: “The Scottish Government must assure the public that it is in control of policing in Scotland.”
A PIRC spokeswoman said they would report in due course to the SPA on whether Gormley had a case to answer.
The bullying claim is the latest in a series of scandals to rock Police Scotland and the SPA since the regional forces merged in 2013.
Gormley’s predecessor Stephen House stood down after 2015’s M9 tragedy, which saw a couple lie undiscovered in their wrecked car for three days.
SPA chairman Andrew Flanagan resigned last month after being heavily criticised over governance and transparency.
As force seek to recover, they need a chief with authority to assist WILLIE RENNIE