Joanna Cherry calls for independent inquiry into how SNP dealt with Alex Salmond allegations

A senior SNP MP has called for an independent inquiry into how her party handled allegations of sexual assault made against Alex Salmond.

Joanna Cherry called for a review of how the SNP handled allegations against Mr Salmond

Joanna Cherry said she was “very pleased” that Mr Salmond had been cleared of all charges at the High Court in Edinburgh today following a two-week trial.

The MP for Edinburgh South West also called for the former party leader to be readmitted to the SNP “without delay”.

A jury found Mr Salmond not guilty on 12 of the sexual assault charges facing him, while another was found not proven.

In a statement released shortly after the verdicts were announced, Ms Cherry said: “I am very pleased that Alex Salmond has been acquitted of these charges.

“Those of us who know him, and indeed many of the thousands of people who have met him over the years, did not recognise the man described in the evidence led for Crown.

“The press reporting of such cases must always be done carefully but I am pleased that having heard all the evidence the jury has found him to be innocent of the charges laid.

“This verdict of acquittal is the culmination of two very lengthy investigations by the Scottish Government and Police Scotland and two court cases.

“In both cases, Mr Salmond has been vindicated and serious questions now arise about the background to these cases, especially given the considerable sums of public money which have been expended.”

She continued; “As a feminist, lawyer, and former specialist sex crimes prosecutor I fully support the right of all women who make a complaint of a sexual crime to have their complaint fully investigated.

“However, I also support due process and the principle of innocent until proven guilty.

“Some of the evidence that has come to light both in the judicial review and at this trial raise very serious questions over the process that was employed within the Scottish Government to investigate the alleged complaints against Mr Salmond and I am sorry to say some of the evidence also raises serious question marks over how these complaints were handled by the SNP.”

She continued: “There should be an independent inquiry into how the SNP dealt with these allegations and an inquiry into our internal complaints procedure with which many members have expressed significant dissatisfaction,” the Edinburgh MP said in a statement released after the jury announced its verdict.

“I am sure the complaints manager chief executive would welcome the opportunity of an independent review to assist them in developing a proper system for the management of complaints.”