Investigation Launched into Scotland's Justice Secretary Over Comments on Grooming Gangs Expert
Angela Constance, Scotland's justice secretary, is being investigated for a potential breach of the ministerial code following her remarks about grooming gangs expert Professor Alexis Jay. Constance had claimed that Jay did not support further inquiries, but Jay later clarified that her comments referred specifically to the England and Wales Public Inquiry on Child Sexual Abuse and not to any inquiry in Scotland.
Constance survived a no-confidence vote in Holyrood on 16 December, despite allegations that she breached the code by failing to correct the record regarding her comments. The investigation into her conduct is being conducted by independent advisers to First Minister John Swinney, marking the first time that advisers have launched such a probe independently since recent changes to the rules.
The probe is expected to be completed promptly, after which the final decision on whether Constance remains in office will be made by First Minister John Swinney. Constance has apologised to Professor Jay, stating her comments were accurate, though clarification notes were not included in the official Holyrood record. Email correspondence showed Jay emphasized that her remarks referred solely to the England and Wales inquiry and not to Scotland's position or any Conservative amendment.
