Labour demands an inquiry into First Minister’s reading of fake letter from independence expert

LABOUR is demanding an inquiry into the row that saw Alex Salmond mislead MSPs by reading out a “fake letter” from an electoral expert that appeared to withdraw criticism of the SNP’s independence referendum.

Professor Matt Qvortrup had not provided the quotes or changed his position. It later transpired the quotes had been drafted by the First Minister’s official spokesman, Kevin Pringle, after a discussion with the academic.

Mr Salmond apologised for the blunder, but Labour MSP Hugh Henry, convenor of Holyrood’s Public Audit Committee, has now written to the head of the civil service in Scotland asking for an urgent investigation. He fears the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers may have been broken.

“The First Minister’s statement to parliament leaves many questions unanswered on this serious issue of probity,” Mr Henry said.

“Parliament needs to be told why such a misleading statement was drafted for the First Minister by his most senior press adviser, who is paid by the taxpayer.

“We need to know whether this is an isolated incident or whether it reflects a wider culture of misrepresentation at the highest level of government. This is an extremely serious matter.”

The former minister said there are already concerns about the “politicisation” of the civil service under the SNP.

“The permanent secretary needs to demonstrate that rules are followed and that the civil service remains impartial and objective,” Mr Henry added.

“We need to know exactly who was responsible for the fake letter and when this was done.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The permanent secretary will respond to Mr Henry’s letter, when he receives it, in due course.”