SNP backlash condemned by... SNP’s former top spin doctor

THE SNP’s condemnation of the decision to publish Alex Salmond’s evidence to the Holyrood inquiry was ‘unwise’, according to the party’s former top spin doctor.

Kevin Pringle, a former director of communications and senior special adviser, criticised a statement issued in the name of MSP George Adam which claimed people would be ‘bewildered’ that the parliament’s corporate body has ‘ignored clear legal advice’. It said the message it may send is that ‘women should not dare seek to hold powerful men to account’.

Writing in the Sunday Times, Mr Pringle said: ‘The statement issued... was unwise.

‘This document has been in the public domain since January, following its publication by media outlets, and no breach has occurred.’

The SNP declined to comment.

A GIRL aged four and her parents have died after a fire broke out at their terrace house yesterday.

Three other children who were also hurt in the blaze were taken to hospital.

Emergency services were called to the property in the St David’s area of Exeter at 5.30am.

The blaze was quickly brought under control but a man and a woman, both aged 28, died along with the little girl. Two boys aged nine and four and a seven-year-old girl, who were in the house at the time, were said to be in a stable condition last night.

Police said all those occupying the house were related to each other.

A ‘critical incident’ was declared following the fire. Chief Superintendent Daniel Evans of Devon and Cornwall Police said investigations into the cause were ongoing but there was ‘nothing to indicate third party involvement’.

He added: ‘This is a deeply upsetting incident and one that will cause great distress to the community.’

Roads in the area were cordoned off while fire investigators remained at the scene.

A local shopkeeper said: ‘We heard there were four children in the house. It is such a terrible tragedy.’

Flowers were left at the scene while friends of the family paid tribute online. Lauren Willdigg wrote on Facebook: ‘Big love to my best friend and her family. Two of my good friends gone too soon.’

Amy Chambers said: ‘Gut wrenching. My heart is in pieces. Such a lovely family – thinking of you all.’

A flag is to be flown at half mast today at the civic centre in Exeter and a minute’s silence will be held by Exeter City Council tomorrow.

Council leader Phil Bialyk said: ‘This is tragic news that will impact the whole of the city. Our hearts go out to the family. Thank you to the emergency services.’

Tom Woodman, chief executive of Cornerstone Housing which owns the property, said: ‘Words can’t express how devastated we feel at Cornerstone Housing. We will do whatever we can to help and support them at this awful time.’

‘A terrible tragedy’