Salmond inquiry to hear from top SNP politicians

Holyrood: FM’ s phone records expected to be among evidence in probe

Scotland’s highest-ranking politicians and officials from the last decade will give evidence to an inquiry into the Scottish Government’s handling of harassment complaints against Alex Salmond.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, her predecessor Mr Salmond, Deputy First Minister John Swinney and SNP chief executive Peter Murrell – Ms Sturgeon’s husband – will all give written statements to a Holyrood committee.

If deemed necessary, they could be called to give oral evidence, with some committee members calling for the use of powers to take testimony under oath.

Ex-first minister Mr Salmond was awarded hundreds of thousands of pounds following a judicial review after the government conceded acting unlawfully while investigating harassment claims against him.

Then earlier this year he was acquitted of all sexual assault charges levelled against him.

Ms Sturgeon’s personal phone records, government and SNP emails and memos between high-ranking civil servants, ministers and party chiefs are all expected to be handed over as evidence ahead of formal inquiries starting in August.

Details of the meetings between Ms Sturgeon and Mr Salmond, in the wake of complaints, will be considered and Leslie Evans – head of Scotland’s civil service – is expected to be called first.

Tory MSP Donald

Cameron said: “The committee should take sworn evidence, we are able to do this under the Scotland Act...it is a case of the convener administrating an oath or affirmation to each witness that comes before us.

“It seems absolutely imperative the evidence we get is as accurate as can be and we need an opportunity to test both its credibility and veracity, not least because we are likely to get conflicting versions and there will be disputed areas of fact.

“Secondly we are dealing with very serious matters within the highest echelons of the Scottish civil service and the conduct of ministers past and present.

“Taking sworn evidence underscores the gravity of subject matter of this inquiry and will ensure we get the best possible evidence.”

Convener Linda Fabiani outlined the timeframe for the inquiry, revealing written statements and supporting documents about how the government developed the policy have already been sought, with further statements about the judicial review expected by mid-July.

Deputy committee convener, MSP Margaret Mitchell, said: “This is a committee with a very important task. It is looking at and involving the actions of officials and the most powerful people in the land.”

CLEARED: Alex Salmond leaves the High Court in Edinburgh following his trial earlier this year