Revealed, bumper £180k pay packet of new top mandarin
(But they’ll earn every penny dealing with SNP Ministers!)
THE Scottish Government will hand a huge taxpayer-funded pay hike to the successor of beleaguered civil service chief Leslie Evans.
The Permanent Secretary, one of Nicola Sturgeon’s top advisers, is due to stand down in March.
The Government has started advertising for her successor, who will earn up to £180,000.
That is more than either Boris Johnson or Nicola Sturgeon – and at least £10,000 more than Ms Evans’ current salary.
Ms Evans has come under fire for her role in the botched investigation of sexual assault allegations against Alex Salmond.
The former First Minister was eventually cleared of all charges, and also successfully challenged the Government’s investigation at the Court of Session, resulting in him receiving more than £600,000 of taxpayers’ cash.
Ms Evans was called to give evidence to a subsequent Holyrood inquiry, was forced to apologise and correct her evidence, and then criticised for ‘individual failings’ in the final report. Despite calls for her to resign, Ms Sturgeon extended her contract to March next year, when she will finally step down.
Last night, Scots Tory MSP Murdo Fraser said: ‘A new Permanent Secretary must be willing to stand up to SNP Ministers as well as being fully transparent with the Scottish public about any decision-making after so many failures to do so in recent years. Assurances must be given that the next person in this role will not undermine parliamentary scrutiny and is willing to be held to account at every turn.
‘We simply cannot see a repeat of the major failings under Leslie Evans’ leadership.
‘She will shortly be enjoying a lavish pension despite her critical errors in relation to the Salmond inquiry, which let down the brave women who made sexual harassmore ment complaints.’ Alex ColeHamilton, Scots Lib Dem MSP, added: ‘On Leslie Evans’ watch the Government’s handling of harassment allegations collapsed, letting down the women at the heart of the case and costing the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds.
‘The role of Permanent Secretary brings with it a substantial pay packet as well as a key role at the heart of the Scottish Government.
‘I hope that the next person to take on the role will ensure that no complainants are let down or money wasted.’
The job advert stressed the importance of working with the UK civil service – but hints at another referendum by predicting ‘an evolving constitutional context’.
It states: ‘As Permanent Secretary, you will provide leadership and direction for the Scottish Government in support of Ministers.
‘You will play a key leadership role across Scottish public services, including communicating the Scottish Government’s priorities and values within and beyond Scotland.
‘You will lead the Scottish Government’s relationship with the civil service in Whitehall, and the other devolved governments, in an evolving constitutional context.
‘We are looking for a leader who can build trusted relationships with Ministers and a multiplicity of partners.
‘If you have successfully led change in a complex environment, have proven strategic and financial abilities, and believe you would be a highly effective operator in this political environment, then we very much hope you will consider this role.’
‘We cannot see a repeat of the major failings’