Claims of ‘turf war’ between Police Scotland and SPA ‘depressing’ says MacAskill

Claims of a turf war between Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Association (SPA) have been described as “depressing” by a former justice secretary.

Kenny MacAskill (pictured), writing in The Herald, said that the single force and the SPA found themselves in a “power struggle”.

But SPA insiders refuted the claim, saying the two organisations are working closely.

Graeme Pearson, Labour’s justice spokesman and former head of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency said it was the current justice secretary’s job to avoid this kind of situation.

He said: “The point of a cabinet secretary for justice is to ensure turf wars do not occur.

“The people appointed to public posts are there to lead their organisations to deliver on behalf of the public.

“The idea of a turf war betrays the benefits a single police service was designed to achieve.”

The news comes as Phil Gormley takes over the reins of Police Scotland from Sir Stephen House.

His appointment was made amid rumours Scottish candidates had been rejected for the top post.

Mr MacAskill cited “seemingly petty” eitquette issues between the single force and its watchdog, led by new chairman Andrew Flanagan.