PART of the inquiry set up to find out what happened in the Scottish Government’s flawed investigation into complaints against Alex Salmond looks at the First Minister’s actions. So what is it that Nicola Sturgeon is alleged to have done wrong?
There are questions about whether the First Minister followed proper procedure when she met Salmond and discussed the government investigation into allegations against him.
One aspect of the matter is whether she should have kept records of the conversations, as per the ministerial code. The other is whether she misled parliament over what she knew and when.
- What is her account?
The First Minister maintains the first she heard of the Government’s investigation was when Salmond told her at a meeting in her home on April 2, 2018. She first told MSPs this was the case in January last year.
Evidence was presented to the Salmond trial this Spring that says she discussed the case with Geoff Aberdein, Salmond’s former chief of staff, four days earlier in a parliamentary office.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon 'forgot' meeting about Alex Salmond
In her written submission to the Holyrood inquiry the First Minister said she forgot about this meeting which took place on March 29, 2018 and during a busy day.
At FMQs yesterday she argued she could see why people may “raise an eyebrow” at her account but said her memory of the meeting could have been overwritten in her mind by the one she had with Salmond himself on April 2. She said this meeting was when Salmond presented the details of the complaints against him and “aspects of his response”. She said this meeting was “seared in her mind”.
- What is the ministerial code and what is the ultimate sanction if it is broken?
It is the code of conduct for ministers and law officers and sets the standard of behaviour expected from members of the government.
It states: “Ministers who knowingly mislead the parliament will be expected to offer their resignation to the First Minister.”
- What is the difference between party and government business?
Government money, which is raised through taxes to run the country, should not be used to help a political party. This includes the banning of government property being used for party meetings.
- Why does this matter?
The First Minister would not be allowed to discuss party matters in her ministerial office in parliament, which means the meeting with Aberdein would break the rules if it were to discuss party business.
She has said her meetings with Salmond, the first of which was arranged via Aberdein, were in her capacity as party leader. This means that she did not have to make any official record of them.
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