The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Police watchdog ‘flaw’ could lead to changes
HOLYROOD: Tory leader calls for SPA chief to be chosen by parliament and not justice secretary
Changes to the appointment process for Scotland’s police watchdog need to be considered in the “fullness of time”, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Despite other public watchdogs having “preferable” appointment processes, the First Minister pointed out a new chairwoman has taken over at the Scottish Police Authority (SPA).
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson pressed the SNP leader to change the law to bring the SPA into line with other organisations, where appointments are made by the Scottish Parliament and not by ministers.
She challenged the First Minister on the issue 24 hours after the resignation of Phil Gormley as chief constable of Police Scotland.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Ms Sturgeon said this would allow policing to “move forward”.
Mr Gormley had denied several allegations of gross misconduct, but his decision to step down means the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) will no longer continue its inquiries.
Ms Davidson said it was an “obvious flaw” that the “head of the Scottish Police Authority is supposed to be independent of government, yet it is the justice secretary that appoints them”.
Ms Davidson said: “If the First Minister is serious about strengthening the structure and oversight of the single police force then having its chair appointed by parliament and not at the grace of ministers ... is a good place to start.”
Ms Sturgeon told her primary legislation would be needed to do that, and the Tory leader responded: “Guess what First Minister, this is a parliament – changing the law is what we do.”
Ms Deacon took over as SPA chairwoman in December and Ms Sturgeon said she was “doing an excellent job”.
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard called on Ms Sturgeon to consider the findings of a review of policing led by former Labour MSP and former police officer Graeme Pearson.
The 2015 review made 10 recommendations including improved parliamentary oversight and staffing support.
Ms Sturgeon said: “There has been a governance review under way, that will report shortly and all of us right across the parliament can consider any proposals and suggestions that come forward as part of that.”