THE identities of the two women accusing Alex Salmond of sexual misconduct must be kept confidential, a judge ruled yesterday.

The former First Minister went to court to secure the anonymity orders.

Salmond’s judicial review is contesting the Scottish Government complaints process activated against him in relation to sexual harassment allegations made in January, which he strongly denies.

Lord Pentland granted the interim orders, preventing the publication of any material which would identify the women.

The Scottish Government did not object to Salmond’s action in court yesterday.

Speaking at the Court of Session, the judge said: “All those involved have been understandably concerned to protect the complainers’ privacy. The complaints were made in the expectation that the complainers’ privacy would be protected throughout.”

Ronald Clancy QC, representing Salmond, said: “The complainers made their original complaints with the legitimate expectation the matter would be dealt with in strict confidence.

“There is obvious public interest in the application of this 2017 procedure to him as a former minister and there is very significant public interest in the fairness of the procedure generally.”