Date First Minister was informed of the allegations against the former First Minister and the action she took: FOI Release

FOI reference: FOI/18/02290
Date received: 24 August 2018  
Date responded: 20 September 2018
 

Information requested
 

I would like to know the date that the Deputy FM, Ms Nicola Sturgeon was first advised that there were allegations of sexual misconduct made against Mr Alex Salmond, the First Minister at the time.
I request that I be told what action she took upon being given this information.
 

Response
 

As stated by the First Minister on the 24th August, the First Minister was made aware of the fact of an investigation by Alex Salmond in April.

By reference to section 18(1) of FOISA we cannot confirm or deny whether any information is held. We are applying section 18(1) in conjunction with section 35(1)(c) (information exempt if disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice substantially the administration of justice).

 

The exemption in section 35(1)(c) is subject to the public interest test. We have viewed the public interest test to be the balance between the need to be open and transparent in our decision making and ensuring that we do not prejudice substantially the administration of justice. In that regard we cannot confirm or deny if any such information exists and we have concluded that the balance favours adopting that approach.

 

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses