Statement ‘contains significant inaccuracies’

Alex Salmond launched a legal bid to stop an investigation into allegations he harassed two women being made public, the country’s most senior civil servant has revealed.

Leslie Evans, permanent secretary to the Scottish Government, also said a statement by the former first minister criticising the civil service’s complaints procedure “contains significant inaccuracies”.

The government made its “handling of harassment complaints involving current or former ministers” public two hours after the claims about Mr Salmond were reported on Thursday night. It was published on the civil service’s private intranet site last December. The two complaints against Mr Salmond were made in January.

Ms Evans said she was prevented from speaking publicly about the investigation because of a legal action by Mr Salmond. She said: “Following legal proceedings instigated by Mr Salmond yesterday that statement was delayed.

“However, given that Mr Salmond subsequently dropped those proceedings I am now able to confirm the fact of the complaints.

“I note that the former first minister has indicated his intention to challenge the actions taken by the Scottish Government. His statement contains significant inaccuracies which will be addressed in those court proceedings.

“The Scottish Government will defend its position vigorously.”

Ms Evans added: “As the head of the Civil Service in Scotland, I have been consistently clear that there is no place for harassment of any kind in the workplace. In line with work already under way in the organisation to tackle inappropriate behaviour, I will consider carefully any issues about culture and working practices highlighted by these complaints.”

Leslie Evans, permanent secretary to the Scottish Government.