Police are investigating allegations that a senior civil servant gave false evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s inquiry into the handling of harassment complaints against former first minister Alex Salmond while under oath.
Named Operation Broadcroft, the investigation is focused on statements James Hynd, head of the cabinet, parliament and governance division within the Scottish Government, made to the Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints.
That inquiry concluded in March 2021 that the handling of complaints made about the former first minister and subsequent judicial review was “seriously flawed”.
Its establishment followed the Scottish Government admitting it had not followed the correct procedures in place for handling such complaints during that judicial review, resulting in over £500,000 being paid out to Salmond in legal costs.
Salmond is now taking legal action against the government he once led, alleging “misfeasance” by civil servants. He is seeking damages and loss of earnings.
The case was in the Court of Session on Friday as the former first minister is attempting to pause (or sist) proceedings, with his lawyer arguing that ongoing police investigations pertinent to the case should be allowed to conclude first.
Gordon Dangerfield, representing Salmond, revealed the existence of Operation Broadcroft during those proceedings.
He said the investigation, led by a senior detective, was considering claims that “the head of cabinet – a very, very senior civil servant, Mr James Hynd – gave a false statement on oath at the inquiry”.
The judge rejected the request the pause the case, saying he was “unpersuaded” the existence of the police operation necessitated it.
This is the fourth time Salmond has attempted to pause the case since he lodged the petition last November.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are investigating a complaint in relation to evidence provided to a Scottish Parliament committee. These enquiries are ongoing and we are unable to comment further.”
The Scottish Government was approached for comment. A spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government does not comment on individual employees.”
Louuse Wilson is political editor for CSW's sister title Holyrood, where this story first appeared