Constance investigation call has been made following claims that Justice Secretary Angela Constance misled parliament.
The Scottish Conservatives have therefore asked three independent advisers appointed by the First Minister to examine whether Ms Constance breached the ministerial code. They raised concerns after she allegedly misrepresented the views of child abuse expert Professor Alexis Jay.
This controversy comes ahead of a planned no confidence vote in Holyrood next week. It follows Professor Jay’s correspondence clarifying her support for a grooming gangs inquiry. As a result, her statement contradicts Ms Constance’s earlier claim that the expert did not support further investigations.
Meanwhile, Deputy First Minister John Swinney refused to refer the matter to his advisers. He explained that he was satisfied with how Ms Constance handled the situation.
However, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay wrote directly to the advisers. He urged them to open an independent probe. Moreover, he stated that advisers “must do the right thing and investigate what appears to be a clear breach of the ministerial code.” He added that Ms Constance ignored requests to correct the record after allegedly misleading parliament.
The independent advisers were all appointed by Mr Swinney last December. They include Claire Loftus, former Director of Public Prosecutions in Ireland, Sir John Manzoni, former Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary, and Sir Ernest Ryder, former Lord Justice of Appeal. Additionally, reforms now allow advisers to launch investigations themselves without referral.
The issue involves Ms Constance’s comments on the Victims Bill. Specifically, she claimed Professor Jay “shares my view and has stated publicly that she does not support further inquiries into child sexual abuse and exploitation.” Later correspondence, however, showed Professor Jay had expressed no opinion on the amendment. Instead, she urged the Scottish Government to gather reliable data on child sexual exploitation by organised gangs.
In his letter to the advisers, Mr Findlay called the correspondence “clear proof” that Ms Constance misrepresented Professor Jay. He emphasized that ministers must provide accurate information and correct errors quickly.
Furthermore, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes defended Ms Constance. She said the comments were a general point about child protection, not the Victims Bill amendment. She also confirmed her confidence in Ms Constance’s ability to perform her duties.
Consequently, the Constance investigation call has sparked debate over ministerial accountability. Therefore, pressure is mounting on advisers to decide whether an independent inquiry is necessary.
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