COMMENT

Under-fire justice secretary Michael Matheson defended his handling of the crisis engulfing Police Scotland yesterday after the beleaguered force was rocked by two further suspensions.

The cabinet minister has been accused of going “missing” during the turmoil by political opponents, who have urged him to “get a grip” on the situation.

Mr Matheson admitted Police Scotland is facing a “challenging time” with a string of its most senior officers now relieved of active duty over complaints.

An emergency review is now being carried out into senior management’s ability to cope at the top of the national force, with Chief Constable Phil Gormley and Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins

“We cannot have a situation where the justice minister tries to deflect responsibility – the buck stops with himandhemustgeta grip of this crisis”

LIAM KERR