Scotland’s top officer quits over conduct row
A POLICE chief dramatically quit yesterday over a bullying row.
Phil Gormley had been on ‘special leave’ for five months amid allegations about his behaviour in the top job at Police Scotland.
Yesterday he said it would be ‘impossible’ to return to the £214,000-a-year post.
Mr Gormley had threatened legal action after Scotland’s justice minister Michael Matheson blocked a decision by the independent Scottish Police Authority (SPA) to end his leave.
Mr Gormley, 54, became Chief Constable in January 2016.
But a bullying allegation against him was referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) last July.
Another two followed and in September he stepped aside, but a slew of other complaints were made – seven in total.
The former deputy director of the National Crime Agency will receive three months’ salary in lieu of notice – about £53,000.
Mr Gormley, who has always denied any wrongdoing, said: ‘It is impossible for me to resume my duties in a meaningful way prior to the end of my contract.’
The PIRC probes have now been dropped and it said its reports will be submitted to the SPA.