Political allies of Alex Salmond have reacted with anger after an historic allegation of sexual assault was made against the former first minister just days after his death.
Chris McEleny, Alba Party general secretary, said the late politician should be allowed to “rest in peace” after cops confirmed they received a complaint from one woman last month.
Salmond died suddenly aged 69 on October 12 while attending a political conference in North Macedonia. He was buried in his home village of Strichen, Aberdeenshire, following a private funeral service.
It was revealed today Police Scotland received a complaint soon after his death alleging he carried out a sexual assault several years ago.
It has been reported that a group of five or six women complained to SNP bosses in 2022 about the former party leader’s alleged behaviour but it is claimed they did not take action as he was no longer a member.
SNP quit the SNP in 2018 after allegations against him first came to light. He went on to launch the breakaway Alba Party in 2021.
McEleny, a close friend and ally of Salmond, today accused persons close to the former government led by Nicola Sturgeon of a campaign of “conspiracy and smears”.
Salmond launched a legal action against the Scottish Government in 2019 after two civil servants alleged he had sexually harassed them during the time he was first minister.
The government probe was found by a judge to be “biased” and the veteran politician was awarded £500,000 in costs.
Police Scotland later launched a criminal investigation after more complaints were received. Salmond stood trial in March 2020 on multiple counts of sexual assault but was cleared by a jury.
McEleny said: “In life, the conspiracy and smears to stitch up Alex Salmond by the close allies, appointees, staff and advisors of Nicola Sturgeon were unanimously rejected in Scotland’s highest criminal court by a majority female jury who listened to the evidence led meticulously.
“Three hundred people were interviewed as part of that investigation in a search for allegations.
“Nicola Sturgeon’s Government were humiliated after being found to have acted unlawfully against Alex Salmond and someone from her own Government leaked an unlawful document – subsequently reduced by Scotland’s Supreme Court – intended to damage the character of Alex Salmond.
“If Nicola has any heart left she will urge her allies to cease these attacks and smears on Alex and allow him to rest in peace.”
The new complaints to the SNP regarding Salmond were of a sexual nature and are claimed to have been reported to Ian McCann, the party’s compliance officer, who was responsible for disciplinary issues.
The SNP’s then-chief executive, Peter Murrell is also claimed to have been aware, sources said.
One of them included a female politician who claimed she was groped by the former first minister at a photoshoot.
Asked about what was done, an SNP spokesperson said: “SNP disciplinary processes can only be invoked against current SNP members.” The SNP is bracing itself for more women emerging claiming to have been victims.
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here