Justice Secretary Angela Constance Faces Vote of No Confidence Amid Grooming Gangs Controversy
Justice Secretary Angela Constance is set to face a vote of no confidence later over the grooming gangs row. Opposition parties accuse her of misrepresenting Professor Alexis Jay's position and misleading parliament. John Swinney defended Constance but failed to shift the debate to substantive issues.
An alleged victim, named Taylor, described Constance's position as untenable, signaling lost trust among survivors. In September, Constance opposed a Conservative amendment for a grooming gangs inquiry. Emails show Professor Jay clarified her comment referred to the England and Wales Public Inquiry, not Scotland or the specific amendment. Government notes issued a clarification in meeting records rather than in Holyrood.
Professor Jay urged Scottish ministers to collect reliable data and flagged the need for urgent work. Constance has agreed to oversee a national review of grooming gangs in Scotland. A Conservative no-confidence motion has gathered more than 25 signatures, with the Liberal Democrats joining Labour and the Tories in support. The Greens have stated they will vote with the government.
Senior government sources say Constance did not breach the ministerial code and has the backing of the First Minister and cabinet. She is expected to survive the vote but will face intense scrutiny going forward.
