A “LEADERSHIP gap” is appearing in Scotland’s police force, according to former justice secretary Kenny MacAskill.
He called for politicians to show greater support for the service, which has been beset by financial pressures and a series of scandals in recent years. MacAskill, who served as justice secretary from 2007 to 2014, made the comments as it was revealed chief constable Phil Gormley is being investigated by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) over misconduct allegations.
It comes after the chair of police oversight body the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) resigned last month.
Andrew Flanagan quit the role following concerns over governance and transparency at the organisation, alongside criticism of his leadership.
While Gormley is not being suspended from his role while the investigation takes place, MacAskill said there is “a leadership gap appearing” within the force.
Writing for The Herald, he said: “The chairman of the SPA has resigned in inglorious circumstances and the senior Deputy Chief Constable, Iain Livingstone, is retiring.
“He was viewed as Gormley’s likely successor but, with other senior officers going or gone, the leadership team is stretched. It’s time for the Scottish Government, which has distanced itself recently, to show greater support for the service and for opposition MSPs to cease grandstanding and political point-scoring.”
Gormley was appointed as Scotland’s top police officer in January 2016. He replaced Sir Stephen House, who resigned following a series of controversies, including armed policing and the M9 crash tragedy when a couple died after police failed to respond to reports of a car going off the motorway.
No information has been given regarding the nature of the complaint against Gormley, but if a serious breach of standards is found, he could face dismissal.
In a statement released on Wednesday, he said: ‘’I am co-operating fully with the Pirc and will provide all necessary assistance to bring this matter to a timely and satisfactory conclusion. ’In fairness to others who may be involved, it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
‘’I would like to stress that I remain focused on leading Police Scotland, ensuring we continue to serve and protect the people of this country.’’ Scottish Labour justice spokeswoman Claire Baker said MacAskill was right to point out the leadership gap but accused him of hypocrisy over his accusations of “political point-scoring” by opposition parties.
“Raising valid concerns about the SNP government’s handling of justice matters is not ‘grandstanding’ — it is doing the job that voters expect of us,” she said.
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: “It’s bizarre that MacAskill has criticised MSPs for standing up to the SNP.”
He said the Scottish Government needed to show “much greater support for the service”.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The chair of SPA has agreed to remain in post until a successor is appointed and the senior leadership team at Police Scotland is fully staffed.
“The Scottish Government is working closely with both SPA and Police Scotland to support them in providing an effective policing service.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel