I knew Salmond could display bullying and intimidatory behaviour
Probe hears ‘no indication’ of sexual misconduct from ex-FM
SCOTLAND’S former top civil servant has told a Holyrood inquiry that Alex Salmond could display “bullying and intimidatory” behaviour.
Peter Housden claimed he was not able to say whether he spoke to Nicola Sturgeon about the former first minister’s conduct.
He also said there was “no indication” at “any stage” of sexual misconduct.
A Holyrood committee is examining how the Scottish Government investigated complaints of sexual misconduct against Salmond when he was first minister.
Salmond pursued a judicial review and he was successful when it was agreed the internal probe had been unlawful and tainted by apparent bias.
The investigation cost the public more than £500,000 and a series of witnesses have given evidence to the committee.
Housden, who was permanent secretary between 2010 and 2015, served Salmond when he was First Minister, then worked with Sturgeon.
Asked if he had been aware of concerns expressed about behaviour by ministers and the former first minister, he told MSPs: “I knew that the former first minister could display bullying and intimidatory behaviour, yes.”
He added: “I am not sure exactly how you would define harassment but bullying and intimidatory behaviour, I knew he could display those behaviours.”
On whether he spoke to Sturgeon about these issues, he said: “I am not able to go into specifics in terms of individuals.”
Housden claimed he was not able to identify people he spoke to due to “confidentiality”.
However, he said: “There was no indication, at any stage, in my time in the Scottish Government or indeed before, no suggestions of sexual misconduct.”
Housden said Salmond never shouted at him or acted in a bullying or aggressive way towards him.
MSPs also heard from Barbara
Allison, who is director for communications, ministerial support & facilities at the Scottish Government.
Of Salmond, she said: “I was aware that Mr Salmond could be demanding and could be difficult to work for. He expected high standards and, if he didn’t get that, he would express his displeasure.
“I would like to say for fairness that people also expressed that they enjoyed working for him. He was visionary, he was dynamic.”
She added: “There were lots of shades of grey.”
Allison said she had not heard any rumours of sexual misconduct about Salmond.
In his written evidence, Housden wrote of his time in the Scottish Government: “We took all reasonable steps in 2010-15 to ensure that the culture and procedures within the civil service were appropriate to our task and meet our duty of care to staff.”