Salmond inquiry: FM’ s testimony to MSPS postponed

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s appearance at the inquiry investigating the handling of allegations against Alex Salmond has been postponed.

The MSPS leading the probe reached the decision following an emergency meeting yesterday to discuss a High Court legal ruling relating to the case.

Ms Sturgeon had been expected to testify on Tuesday, but that will now not go ahead.

The committee’s decision raises the prospect it could perform a U-turn and publish key evidence from Mr Salmond in the wake of Thursday’s High Court judgment which amended the order that prevents the publication of information likely to identify any of the accusers, to clarify its scope.

Mr Salmond is understood to be ready to give evidence if the documents are published.

The committee had previously said that Ms Sturgeon would be its last witness, but may now alter the timetable to enable Mr Salmond to appear before his successor as first minister and SNP leader.

A Scottish Parliament spokeswoman said: “At its meeting today, the committee was united in its desire to complete this inquiry in an open and transparent way, and to publish its report and recommendations next month.

“Given the impact of the recent court judgment is not yet known, the committee has agreed that it must have the time to reflect on the impact on its work once the full written judgment is published early next week.

“As a result, the committee has agreed that the first minister’s evidence should be postponed until the full impact of that judgment is considered.

“It is important for the committee to hear from Mr Salmond and the committee has always been clear that the first minister should be the last witness to appear before the inquiry.”

Mr Salmond was expected to appear before the Holyrood committee last Tuesday but declined to do so after it failed to publish the evidence he submitted.

Mr Salmond is understood to be ready to appear before the MSPS next week, but only if they publish his documents.

Details of Judge Lady Dorrian’s decision are expected to be released early next week.