Salmond and Sturgeon row deepens with smear claims

CLAIMS that Nicola Sturgeon knew about an investigation into Alex Salmond before he told her have been branded “smears”.

A spokesman for the First Minister hit back after sources close to Mr Salmond were reported in the press that Mr Sturgeon and her advisers had knowledge of the investigation.

The row that has engulfed the Scottish Government and SNP deepened with claims Ms Sturgeon’s chief of Staff, Liz Lloyd, knew about the allegations on March 6 when she met an “intermediary” to Alex Salmond.

Ms Sturgeon has maintained the first she was made aware of the investigation was when Alex Salmond told her about it during a meeting at her home on April 2.

A spokesperson for the First Minister said: “This appears to be an attempt to smear the First Minister.

“Suggestions by Mr Salmond’s ‘insiders’ that the First Minister knew about the investigation before April 2 are not true.

“The suggestion put to Ms Sturgeon’s Chief of Staff by The Times, that she knew of complaints when she met someone who could be described as an intermediary for Alex Salmond on 6th March, is also not true.”

The spokesman said that Ms Lloyd met with someone who could be described as an intermediary on March 6 but that it was an informal discussion and was not specific to Alex Salmond.

He said Ms Lloyd was not aware of complaints or a Scottish Government investigation.

The spokesman added: “Given that issues around the First Minister’s meetings with Mr Salmond have been referred to the Independent Advisers to consider, we will not comment further.

“At the heart of this matter remains the fact that complaints were made that could not be swept under the carpet – and the First Minister and Scottish Government will not say or do anything which might risk prejudicing the police investigation.”

It was reported that sources close to Mr Salmond said Ms Lloyd advised Mr Salmond not to stand in the event of a snap election because of the sexual harassment allegations.

The First Minister’s spokesman said any reference to harassment allegations was in relation to media enquires around the time of the #MeToo sexual harassment campaign.

Mr Salmond denies the allegations and said he is not guilty of any criminal behaviour.