Chief Constable to step aside
Police Scotland Chief Constable Phil Gormley has been granted special leave from his duties while two allegations against him of gross misconduct are investigated. Mr Gormley strongly denies the accusations.
POLICE Scotland’s Chief Constable Phil Gormley has been granted “special leave” while two allegations against him of gross misconduct are investigated.
Mr Gormley said the latest complaint was raised by a member of the Force Executive, Police Scotland’s senior management team.
It is understood the complaint was made by Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, who is one of 13 people in the Force Executive.
The Herald can also reveal Mr Gormley’s designated deputy, Iain Livingstone, who has taken temporary charge, is re-assessing his earlier decision to retire, and could continue in the force.
A source said he would feel “a duty” to continue if Mr Gormley stepped down as chief constable.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) confirmed yesterday it was investigating a new claim of gross misconduct by the chief constable, in addition to one announced in July.
Both complaints were referred to the organisation following an investigation by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), the oversight body for the force.
Mr Gormley, who denies both allegations, faced calls to temporarily stand aside when the initial complaint was revealed but remained in post until the second accusation emerged.
Mr Gormley, 52, who is midway through a three-year contract, said: “I have been notified by the SPA of a complaint made against me. This complaint originates from a member of the Force Executive.
“In the interests of the office of Chief Constable and the broader interests of Police Scotland, I have sought and been granted special leave to enable this matter to be properly assessed.
“I deny and reject the allegations and will co-operate with the SPA’s assessment and procedures. It is my intention to resume my full duties when this matter has been resolved.”
No information was given regarding the nature of either complaint, but if a serious
breach of standards is found, Mr Gormley could face dismissal.
The SPA confirmed it had agreed to Mr Gormley’s request for a temporary leave of absence and said this will be kept under review on a four-weekly basis.
Pirc said once each investigation is concluded it will submit a report to the SPA on whether the allegations should be referred to a misconduct hearing.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie called for Mr Gormley to stand
aside when the first Pirc investigation was confirmed.
At the time, the SPA ruled temporarily removing him from his post was “not appropriate’’.
Mr Rennie said: “It has taken too long but Phil Gormley has made the right decision to temporarily stand aside and I commend him on that.
“The investigation needs to be completed effectively and swiftly so Police Scotland can move on. There is a lot to fix in Police
Scotland and we need effective leadership to fix it.”
Scottish Labour’s justice spokeswoman Claire Baker said Mr Gormley’s decision “risks further damaging public confidence in Police Scotland”.
She said: “The SNP Government must immediately clarify what impact this will have on the already shaky management.”
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr said Mr Gormley’s decision was “the right move”.