Constance should face inquiry over ‘clear breach of ministerial code’ – Findlay

The Scottish Conservative leader has written to independent advisers on the ministerial code requesting they launch an investigation into the Justice Secretary after claims she “misrepresented” a quote from a leading child abuse expert.

The Tories, and Labour, have already lodged a motion of no confidence in Angela Constance over comments she made in Parliament in September.

When the Justice Secretary rejected calls for an inquiry into grooming gangs, she told MSPs that Professor Alexis Jay agreed with her that such a probe is not needed.

Emails made public by the Scottish Government on Wednesday revealed Prof Jay – who led the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham in 2014 – later contacted Ms Constance to say she would “appreciate” her position “being clarified”.

In his letter calling for an investigation, Tory leader Russell Findlay said he believes the Justice Secretary has committed a “breach of the ministerial code” and that “there must be accountability for this scandal”.

He said: “The independent advisers must do the right thing and investigate what appear to be a clear breach of the ministerial code by Angela Constance.

“John Swinney, as ever, has closed ranks behind a beleaguered SNP minister and is refusing to launch his own probe.

“The code is clear that if a minister makes an inaccurate statement they have a duty to correct it as soon as possible. Yet despite two requests to do so, Angela Constance refused to correct the record after misrepresenting Professor Jay’s views.”

John Swinney defended Ms Constance during First Minister’s Questions on Thursday and when asked by journalists if he has full confidence in her, he said: “Yes.”

Mr Findlay continued: “If, as he laughably claims, the Justice Secretary has done nothing wrong, John Swinney should welcome an investigation into her conduct.

“The reality is that Angela Constance has lost the confidence of grooming gang victims because she misled Parliament and then refused to admit it. Her position is untenable.”

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland earlier on Friday, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said she believes Prof Jay is “content” with Ms Constance’s comments being clarified.

She said: “The full extent of the correspondence has now been published, and, critically, Professor Alexis Jay was content with the process I understand.

“Although it’s important that you hear from her because putting words in people’s mouth is how we got into this debate in the first place, but I understand she was content with the clarification being made about the context of her quotes at the national child sexual abuse and exploitation (strategic group).”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.