DEPUTY Scottish Labour leader Jackie Baillie has said she would support an investigation into leaks from the Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish Government’s unlawful investigation of Alex Salmond.
Last week contents of the unfinalised report were leaked to the media, prompting committee member Andy Wightman to remind his colleagues of the MSP code of conduct.
The independent MSP posted an excerpt of the code on Twitter, which said “members must not provide the media with any other briefings or views on the general contents or ‘line’ of draft committee reports”. The text also stated: “Disclosures of this kind can also seriously undermine and devalue the work of committees”.
And on Sunday, the women at the centre of the inquiry said they would make a formal complaint to the Parliament after their evidence was leaked to a newspaper.
They said the leak was a breach of the MSP code of conduct, and a “violation of the trust we placed in the committee”. They also raised concerns over the accuracy of the leak.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland this morning, Jackie Baillie said she would “absolutely” support an inquiry.
The Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish Government’s unlawful investigation of Alex Salmond has this morning published its findings. They are separate from those of James Hamilton QC, who reported yesterday that there had been no breach of the ministerial code by Nicola Sturgeon over her role in the saga.
READ MORE: Holyrood harassment complaints inquiry publishes findings on Alex Salmond case
Baillie said: “The leaks against the women were particularly bad, because they had the bravery to come forward to speak to the committee.
“It was entirely inappropriate that that information was leaked to the public domain.”
When asked if she leaked the evidence to the press, Baillie responded “absolutely not”, adding: “I would never do that. These two women were very brave in coming forward. I regret the fact that information was leaked. It shouldn’t have been.”
READ MORE: Salmond complainers to lodge complaint over leak of their evidence to Holyrood probe
Baillie added: “When a committee meets in private, then that is exactly what they should be – particularly when you’re dealing with such sensitive issues.
“For the two women to come along and give their evidence, for it then to be shared in the public domain, is simply not acceptable.”
Committee members have held 14 public evidence sessions, questioning a range of witnesses about the development of the complaints policy that was used unlawfully, the handling of the allegations, Salmond’s successful judicial review and the ministerial code.
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