Justice Secretary Angela Constance Investigated Over Ministerial Code Breach
Justice secretary Angela Constance (SNP) is to be investigated over an alleged breach of the ministerial code due to remarks she made about grooming gangs expert Prof Alexis Jay.
Constance was accused of misrepresenting Prof Jay's stance on public inquiries into grooming gangs. Prof Jay later clarified that her comments did not relate to inquiries in Scotland but specifically referred to the England and Wales Public Inquiry on Child Sexual Abuse.
Independent advisers notified First Minister John Swinney of their intent to launch an investigation. Under new rules, advisers can initiate such probes without the First Minister's approval, though he still decides whether a minister remains in post. The investigation is expected to be concluded in a timely manner.
The remarks in question were made during Constance's opposition to a Conservative amendment to a victims bill calling for an inquiry into grooming gangs. A clarification note about the context of Prof Jay's comments was issued in meeting notes last month but was not read into the Holyrood Chamber, thus missing from the official parliamentary record.
Constance apologized to Prof Jay in a personal call without government officials present, maintaining that her comments were accurate.
Previously, Constance survived a no-confidence vote at Holyrood on 16 December prompted by the grooming gangs row. Opposition parties have called for her resignation and have criticized First Minister John Swinney's handling of the situation.
