Ministerial code changes ‘SNP spin masquerading as accountability’, claim Tories

The First Minister’s changes to the ministerial code have been branded a “PR stunt” by the Scottish Tories.

John Swinney announced last year that he would allow the Government’s advisers on the ministerial code to launch investigations into potential breaches, rather than relying on a referral from the First Minister, as had been the case before.

Since the changes came into effect, no inquiries have been launched by the trio of officials, despite numerous opposition calls.

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: “John Swinney’s much-trumpeted changes to the ministerial code look nothing more than a cynical PR stunt.

“It’s more than a year since he granted his independent advisers the power to initiate investigations into SNP ministers’ conduct, and it beggars belief that not a single probe has been launched by them.

“During that time, Angela Constance and Swinney have repeatedly misled Parliament, while Neil Gray has misused his ministerial limo and Mairi Gougeon failed to declare hospitality.

“If the nationalists had given the independent advisers real teeth to investigate wrongdoing, they would surely be looking into these controversies to ensure the ministerial code is upheld.

“Swinney’s big announcement was clearly SNP spin masquerading as genuine accountability. It’s high time that the independent advisers were properly empowered to investigate ministerial misconduct.”

The most recent episode revolved around allegations Justice Secretary Angela Constance had misrepresented the view of grooming gang expert Professor Alexis Jay to bolster the Government’s case against holding a public inquiry into the issue.

Ms Constance has since apologised to Prof Jay and sought to correct the record, but has not faced a probe over opposition assertions she misled Holyrood – which is against the ministerial code.

After being urged to call an investigation by Tory leader Russell Findlay, Mr Swinney said he would not do so, telling the West Scotland MSP there had been no “misinformation” from Ms Constance.

In a letter to Mr Findlay, the First Minister said: “I acknowledge that members of Parliament and members of the public will draw different conclusions from the words we all use.

“Angela Constance is a sincere minister who would never address Parliament in a way that would in any way mislead Parliament or the public.

“I trust that this clarification assures you that there has been no misinformation provided to Parliament, and on this basis, the ministerial code has not been engaged.”

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.