Handling of probe ‘deals severe blow to Indyref 2’
THE SNP’s bid for a second independence referendum has been dealt a ‘severe blow’ by the Scottish Government’s ‘incompetence’, according to a former Nationalist adviser.
Kevin Pringle attacked the handling of the investigation into complaints of sexual misconduct against Alex Salmond.
And he warned Nicola Sturgeon she is facing an uphill battle to undo the reputational ‘damage’ caused by the botched inquiry – claiming it could have major consequences for the SNP’s bid to break up the United Kingdom.
Mr Pringle was a special adviser to Mr Salmond when he was first minister and worked with Miss Sturgeon during the 2015 general election campaign.
Writing in the Sunday Times, Mr Pringle urged the First Minister to refer herself to the independent advisory panel over allegations she had breached the ministerial code, claiming it would be ‘uncomfortable’ but is the ‘only path for better ground’. According to Mr Pringle, the controversy ‘makes it harder for people to argue that the institution [the Scottish Government] should be vested with the full powers of an independent country’.
Miss Sturgeon has said that she will look to set out her preferred timeline for another independence referendum in the coming weeks, but the scandal surrounding the Scottish Government’s investigation could see her struggle to get this on the agenda.
Mr Pringle said: ‘When the SNP won office nearly 12 years ago, it established a reputation for competence that was the foundation of its success. The events of the past week strike a severe blow to this reputation.
‘The First Minister will have to be bold and candid if it is to be recovered. We need to understand everything that went wrong in the Salmond case if the deeper damage is to be mended.
‘Otherwise, generalised claims of government incompetence will be more likely to stick. From a communications perspective, the dripdrip of information coming out slowly is poison.
‘Last week was torrid for Sturgeon and it can’t go on like that.’
Miss Sturgeon was forced to apologise last week after it was revealed that the Scottish Government’s investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Mr Salmond was unlawful and potentially biased.
The Court of Session heard that officials were conceding a judicial review after it emerged the investigating officer had ‘prior involvement’ with the two female complainants.
Although she has referred herself to the independent advisory panel, Miss Sturgeon could also face a Holyrood probe into the Scottish Government’s handling of the inquiry. It is understood opposition parties will meet this week to discuss a route to take forward a parliamentary inquiry – using either an existing committee or setting up a new group.
This could see Miss Sturgeon forced to publicly give evidence on her involvement, as well as her senior advisers and civil servants.
Scottish Conservative interim leader Jackson Carlaw said: ‘Only a full inquiry into this affair will suffice. Nicola Sturgeon can’t hide. She should do the right thing and back a parliamentary inquiry.
‘When government employees have been let down and £500,000 of taxpayers’ money has been wasted, the public deserve no less.’
An SNP spokesman said: ‘There is currently an ongoing police inquiry and we will make no further comment until that process is complete.’
A spokesman for the First Minister said: ‘The Tories’ chaotic, shambolic and utterly irresponsible handling of Brexit is making the case for independence stronger by the day.’