Salmond sex case: Sturgeon refers herself to watchdog

NICOLA Sturgeon has referred herself to a standards panel over three meetings with Alex Salmond – after he was accused of sexual harassment.

The First Minister said she met Mr Salmond three times and spoke to him on the phone twice after the claims were made against him by two women.

On Tuesday, the Scottish Government’s handling of the allegations against the former first minister was ruled unlawful by Scotland’s highest civil court.

Miss Sturgeon said the complaints made to the Scottish Government last January cannot be ignored. She said: ‘It is in the interests of the women who have complained that the ongoing police investigations are allowed to continue without any risk of prejudice. That must be the priority for everyone.

‘I have acted appropriately and in good faith throughout, and in compliance with the Ministerial Code at all times.’

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Jackson Carlaw said it is time for her to stop ‘dodging’ the issue.

He said: ‘Nicola Sturgeon’s handling of this matter over the last week has been absolutely abysmal...It strongly suggests that the Scottish Government is trying to hide the facts in order to save the First Minister’s skin and today’s statement only adds to that impression.’

Mr Salmond denies the allegations.