Evidence given in the Scottish Parliament today reveals justice secretary Michael Matheson was “instrumental” in stopping Scotland’s most senior policeman returning to work.
Andrew Flanagan, the former chair of the Scottish Police Authority, said he was pressured into a decision on chief constable Phil Gormley during an impromptu “one-sided” meeting with Mr Matheson and his civil servants.
After it, he said he was left with no choice but to reverse a decision which would have seen Mr Gormley return, having been given “special leave” amid bullying accusations.
It was revealed that, during a morning meeting, Mr Matheson described it as a “bad decision”.
Hours later, Mr Flanagan was hauled back in for a surprise follow-up summit.
The issue was raised by Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at First Minister’s Questions today.
She pointed out that, until now, Nicola Sturgeon had claimed her justice secretary had merely “asked questions” about the decision.
And she maintained that position today, even though Mr Flanagan’s evidence suggested otherwise.
Despite admitting to not having seen this morning’s exchange, the First Minister said it revealed “nothing new”, adding: “Faced with the same circumstances, he (Michael Matheson) would do it again.”
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said:
“This evidence given in the Scottish Parliament shows Michael Matheson was absolutely instrumental in preventing the chief constable from returning to work.
“That is at odds not only with what SNP ministers have said, but with what Nicola Sturgeon claimed last week.
“The justice secretary didn’t merely ask questions – he leaned on the independent chair of an independent body, leaving him in no doubt that he should reverse his decision.
“The SNP promised the single force would be a model of transparency and accountability.
“But nearly five years on, things are murkier than ever.”