Transparency key in Gormley probe

The investigation into Police Scotland Chief Constable Phil Gormley’s conduct could not have come at a worse time. Calls have been made for him to temporarily step aside as he is probed by the force’s own investigatory body?

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner must operate with absolute freedom to carry out an investigation. It is legitimate to ask if it can do so while Mr Gormley is in post.

Similarly, the body’s work must be done in complete transparency without a whiff of outside influence.

There is no suggestion Mr Gormley or any of his staff would seek to sway Pirc investigators, but removing him temporarily would also remove any opportunity for critics to make such claims.

Police Scotland seems always to be teetering on the brink of a crisis and needs a leader.

Findings of major investigations into the call handling failures the death of Lamara Bell after an M9 crash and the Sheku Bayoh custody death case should be released soon.

Neither happened on Mr Gormley’s watch and the rank and file would have been looking towards his leadership to steer it through a storm of inevitable criticism.

He can still do so if cleared of any wrongdoing, but it will require a speedy and transparent investigation to satisfy doubters.

Let us hope we get one.