Lawyers threatened to withdraw from Salmond inquiry
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The Dean of Faculty threatened to withdraw from the Scottish government’s legal team in its defence against Alex Salmond unless they brought an end to the case, new documents show.
Roddy Dunlop QC said he would not continue 11 days before the government conceded that its investigation of the former first minister over sexual harassment allegations was unlawful.
Christine O’Neill QC was also ready to withdraw.
A Holyrood inquiry yesterday published a redacted note from Sarah Davidson, a senior civil servant.
Dated December 28, 2018, it reads: “Junior counsel indicate (and it seems clear that senior concurs) that, in light of their professional duties, they will require to withdraw from acting on January 3 if matters are not resolved by then.”
The document stated that the government was told its case was unstateable on December 21, 2018. Ministers conceded as much on January 8, 2019.
Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative MSP, said: “The contents of these documents reveal senior SNP government officials were hellbent on defending an indefensible case.
“It seems to have taken threats from outside lawyers to quit before common sense finally prevailed. The government’s cavalier and reckless action not only failed the two female complainers, it also cost taxpayers a fortune in legal costs.”
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