Political bias claims ‘wrong’

NICOLA STURGEON has insisted it is “downright wrong” to suggest the Crown Office’s intervention in the redaction of Alex Salmond’s evidence was politically influenced, and questioned his reason for pulling out of a planned Holyrood appearance.

Mr Salmond was due to give evidence in person yesterday to the parliamentary inquiry into the Scottish Government’s unlawful investigation of sexual harassment claims against him.

The former first minister asked to delay his appearance after his already-published written evidence was belatedly redacted by parliament on Tuesday, following an intervention by the Crown Office – the body responsible for prosecuting crime in Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon’s predecessor said the Crown Office’s decision to write to parliament – purportedly seeking redactions over contempt of court fears – was “astonishing” and asked his lawyers to seek answers about the “unprecedented and highly irregular actions”.

Asked about the saga at yesterday’s daily coronavirus briefing, the First Minister said: “Any suggestion at all that these decisions are in any way politically influenced are downright wrong.”