Presiding Officer to probe lobbying claims

CLAIMS civil servants working for the Scottish Government “lobbied” Holyrood witnesses are to be probed by the Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer.

Ken Macintosh said he would investigate whether any rules had been broken amid fears key figures were “coerced” into following the SNP line.

Emails revealed Holyrood staff refused requests from civil servants to hand over the identities of witnesses before they gave evidence to a committee about the so-called Named Person policy.

The SNP’S controversial plans would see a state guardian – such as a teacher or health visitor – appointed for every child in Scotland.