We’ll see you in court, Government tell Eck
THE Scottish Government are “confident” they can fend off former first minister Alex Salmond’s legal action over the way officials handled claims of sexual misconduct.
Yesterday they confirmed lawyers will contest Salmond’s challenge at the Court of Session, where he is seeking a judicial review.
The Record revealed last month that Salmond was locked in a battle with the government he once led.
Officials had been probing claims by two women dating back to 2013 when he was in power.
Salmond, who denies any wrongdoing, said the entire process was unfair and unjust.
But the Scottish Government said they had “formally notified the Court of Session of our intention to contest the judicial review being brought by Mr Salmond”. They added: “We’re confident our processes are legally sound and we will vigorously defend our position.
“There are a number of inaccuracies in Mr Salmond’s public statements and we will address those matters in court.”
The allegations against Salmond were made in January and he was informed in March.
Last month, the Scottish Government’s chief civil servant Leslie Evans told Salmond she was considering going public with details. Salmond then revealed he would challenge the process in court.
Days later, he quit the SNP and launched a public appeal for cash to pay his legal fees. The former MP was given £100,000 within days – double his target.
A spokesman for Salmond said: “We are delighted the Scottish Government have now conceded our right to bring the petition. We will do our substantive talking before the Court of Session.”