Police chief to remain on leave

0 Chief Constable Phil Gormley stepped aside at the start of last month after a bullying allegation Scotland’s most senior police officer will stay on leave while bullying allegations are investigated.

The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) said Chief Constable Phil Gormley’s leave of absence remained the “most appropriate measure” while complaints against him are reviewed by a watchdog.

The SPA board considered the matter on Wednesday after committing to review a decision it made last month on a four-weekly basis.

It said yesterday: “The board has assessed and agreed that a continuing period of leave remains an appropriate measure to address investigative and welfare issues for all parties involved.”

It added: “The SPA has written to the chief constable confirming a continuation of his leave of absence, which will be reviewed again by Friday 3 November.”

Mr Gormley stepped aside at the start of last month after a bullying complaint from Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham was passed to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc). The Pirc is now carrying out three separate investigations into the chief constable.