SNP under pressure to release information about allegations against former first minister

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

The Scottish government has confirmed that there are no recorded complaints about Alex Salmond from before January.

The detail emerged after opposition parties called for “full transparency” over the Scottish government’s investigation of sexual harassment allegations against the former first minister.

The Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Labour have urged the SNP administration to release more information on the circumstances surrounding two complaints against Salmond.

He strongly denies the allegations – which were raised in January – and has launched legal action against the Scottish government over the investigation.

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The claims about his conduct towards two staff members in 2013, while he was in office, have been handed to Police Scotland.

The Tory equalities spokeswoman Annie Wells earlier wrote to the Scottish government’s permanent secretary, Leslie Evans, seeking to clarify whether complaints had been raised against Salmond before the beginning of the year.

A Scottish government spokesman said: “It is important to remember that two complaints have been made that could not be ignored or swept under the carpet no matter the identity of the individual involved.

“There are no recorded complaints about Alex Salmond prior to January 2018. For legal reasons we are unable to provide further detail at this time. However, in the fullness of time, the Scottish government will seek to make available as much information as it can.”

Play Video 0:55 'I haven't harassed anyone': Alex Salmond denies sexual misconduct allegations – video

Labour has tabled a series of freedom of information requests seeking more detail about three meetings Salmond said had taken place between himself and the current first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, after he was informed of the allegations.

The party is requesting any correspondence relating to the meetings as well as any notes or minutes from them.

The Scottish government spokesman added: “The first minister was clear to Alex Salmond that she had no role in the process and would not intervene.”