‘This was not the way to conduct inquiry’

A key member of the Holyrood probe into the handling of allegations against Alex Salmond has criticised the process.

Andy Wightman, an independent MSP, said it was “not the way in which to do an inquiry of this nature”.

He also outlined “a better way”, including appointing an independent team of investigators, with powers to obtain documents, that could advise MSPS.

Mr Wightman’s vote has often been viewed as decisive on a committee that has regularly divided along party lines.

In an exclusive interview, he admitted the last few months had been “very difficult” personally, with “lots of wild allegations and speculation” being made about his role.

The Lothian MSP, who quit the Scottish Greens in December and will stand as an independent in the Highlands and Islands in the upcoming election, called for changes to the process in future.

Mr Wightman said: “The way we went about doing it is not the right way to go about it.

“What we did was set up a parliamentary inquiry and said, ‘well, this committee will find out what went wrong’.

“The government stalled and delayed and wouldn’t give us the key stuff, the legal advice, until 6pm the night before Sturgeon appeared, and even then it came out in dribs and drabs the week after.

“That is not the way in which to do an inquiry of this nature.”

Reflecting on the process, Mr Wightman said: “This has been a complicated, complex inquiry, because it has engaged very sensitive issues around sexual harassment and how you deal with complaints and resolve them.”