Abuse of power in Phil Gormley saga?

Sir, – I read in my daily Courier, with utter dismay, but with no surprise I have to say, that chief constable Phil Gormley has left his post with Police Scotland.

It was no surprise that Mr Gormley resigned following the intervention of Justice Secretary Michael Matheson who gave him little choice but to leave, as continuing with Police Scotland was out of the question.

On most occasions it is difficult to disagree with The Courier editorial but on this occasion “wiping the slate clean” (“Right or wrong, exit door was only option”, The Courier, February 8) is not, in my opinion, an option to be pursued.

Mr Gormley may or may not be guilty of anything.

However, we have not heard a shred of evidence of any wrongdoing and his accusers may be quite happy if it is swept under the carpet and they do not have to explain their allegations.

The justice secretary may well have the power to intervene as he did, but his actions should be tested in a review, as his intervention made it impossible for the chief constable to continue in his post and was, in my opinion, an abuse of power.

There is no doubt, of course, that Police Scotland has not delivered for the people of Scotland .

I have maintained from day one of its creation that it was a bad judgement call financially, but it would now be embarrassing for politicians to return to the successes of the regional arrangements.

As a former board member of Tayside Police for many years, I have no reason to believe that other Police Boards in Scotland were any different from ours when I say that Tayside Police, under the safe hands of Chief Constable Bill Spence and his dedicated staff, who always ensured our city was safe and made sure they were all accountable to the citizens under their care.

A return to the good old days will not happen of course but let’s make those responsible for this sorry mess accountable for their actions. John Letford. 1 Rosebank Tce, Dundee.

Scotland’s chief constable Phil Gormley resigned after a series of allegations of gross misconduct were made against him. The exact nature of the allegations have not yet been made public.