Sturgeon attacks Salmond over inquiry ‘conspiracy’
NICOLA STURGEON has accused Alex Salmond of spreading a ‘dangerous conspiracy theory’, after his claims that she lied to Scotland’s parliament were belatedly censored.
The first minister hit back when her predecessor questioned a last-minute decision to redact his evidence about the parliamentary investigation into harassment allegations against him.
‘Any suggestion at all that these decisions are in any way politically influenced is downright wrong,’ the SNP leader said at her daily Covid briefing.
‘They actually start to buy into what is a false and quite dangerous conspiracy theory that has no basis in fact.’
Mr Salmond (pictured) had been due to give evidence in person to an inquiry into parliament’s mishandling of the harassment claims.
But he asked to delay his appearance after the decision by prosecutors at the Crown
Office to redact his previously published written evidence over contempt of court fears.
In the testimony, the former SNP leader alleged a conspiracy against him by individuals in the government and SNP to damage his reputation, even to the extent of having him jailed.
But parliament agreed to the Crown Office request to redact parts of the evidence, in which he accused Ms Sturgeon of misleading Holyrood and breaching the ministerial code – a claim she denies. Mr Salmond has now been invited to give evidence tomorrow.
Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said: ‘The Crown Office are suppressing evidence – not to protect victims’ identities but to protect Nicola Sturgeon.’