Mandarin ‘misled’ parliament

SCOTLAND’S top civil servant has apologised after she ‘misled’ parliament by failing to disclose a meeting with Nicola Sturgeon’s chief of staff.

Leslie Evans told MSPs that she was not aware of special advisers’ involvement in a judicial review sparked by Alex Salmond over the Scottish Government’s handling of complaints against him.

However, it yesterday emerged Mrs Evans had attended a meeting with Miss Sturgeon, her chief aide Liz Lloyd, and legal counsel.

The meeting took place in November 2018, according to The Times. It also revealed Miss Lloyd had attended a further two meetings with the government’s counsel.

Yesterday, Mrs Evans sent a letter to Holyrood’s committee into the handling of harassment complaints apologising and setting the record straight.

She included links to a freedom of information response issued by the government which confirmed the meetings. She said: ‘My answer on this point in oral evidence to the committee was based upon my best recollection at the time but I accept that the record shows that the information above is correct. I apologise for not having that level of detail at the front of my mind in answering the point put to me.’

Mrs Evans appeared in front of the inquiry for the second time this week. She was forced to return after failing to answer questions put to her by MSPs in the first evidence session. They are now requesting that she attends a third meeting.

Scottish Labour deputy leader and committee member, Jackie Baillie, said: ‘This letter from the Permanent Secretary, in which she admits that she misled the committee yesterday, is truly remarkable.

‘Despite stating that she did not see “any natural role” to be played by advisers in the legal process, it is now clear that the chief of staff was in attendance with the First Minister and the Permanent Secretary.

‘Time and time again this committee has been faced with evasion and secrecy from witnesses. This must end.

‘All who are brought before the committee must be straightforward and honest. We simply cannot have selective memory loss and evasion inhibiting our vital work any longer.’

Former permanent secretary Sir Peter Housden will appear in front of the inquiry next week. He was the top civil servant during Mr Salmond’s time as First Minister.

In written evidence, Sir Peter revealed he had dealt with inappropriate behaviour from SNP ministers in a ‘number of settings’ between 2010 and 2015.

‘Evasion and secrecy from witnesses’