Gormley ‘has got to resign’

A FORMER Justice Secretary has called for Scotland’s top police officer to quit even if he is cleared of gross misconduct allegations.

Kenny MacAskill said Chief Constable Phil Gormley cannot be allowed to ‘hang around’ and said a new Police Scotland boss should be recruited immediately.

Writing in the i newspaper, Mr MacAskill said: ‘He should be allowed to depart with dignity. But go he must. The new Chair and acting Chief need to be allowed to get on with the job unfettered. He cannot hang around [HQ] Tulliallan like a bad smell.’

Mr MacAskill also praised current Justice Secretary Michael Matheson for stepping in to prevent Mr Gormley returning to work – despite the Scottish Police Authority allowing his return.