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Nicola Sturgeon will be asked about an undeclared meeting with her top civil servant after it emerged notes of their conversation may have been destroyed. Scotland's first minister held at least one meeting with her government's permanent secretary four months before she says she knew of harassment complaints against Alex Salmond, her predecessor. The meeting in November 2017 wasn't included in a timeline of events the Scottish government gave to Holyrood's harassment committee, despite MSPs asking for details of all meetings. Now Sky News has seen statements, given under oath by the permanent secretary Leslie Evans, stating that she may have made a note of a meeting with the first minister but wouldn't have kept it because: "I destroy all my notebooks." An opposition MSP has told Sky News she will query this when the first minister gives evidence to the Holyrood committee investigating the government's mishandling of its 2018 investigation into harassment complaints … [Read more...] about Nicola Sturgeon to be questioned about undeclared meeting with top official who may have destroyed notes

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is facing calls to resign amidst fresh claims that she lied to parliament. It follows the Scottish government's publication of legal advice surrounding a court challenge by Alex Salmond in 2018. It shows that legal counsel warned the Scottish government of a "very real problem" more than two months before they were forced to concede in court. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Sturgeon denies cover-up accusations Mr Salmond has accused Ms Sturgeon of breaching the ministerial code by not halting her government's legal challenge and costing the taxpayer more than £600,000 in legal costs. Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Douglas Ross said his party would be submitting a vote of no confidence in Ms Sturgeon. Advertisement He said: "There is no longer any doubt that Nicola Sturgeon lied to the Scottish Parliament and broke the Ministerial Code on numerous … [Read more...] about No confidence vote in Nicola Sturgeon to be submitted after Alex Salmond case legal advice published

A computerised image of a woman whose body was found on a Highland beach in January has been released. The unidentified woman's body was found by members of the public at around 8.30am on Saturday 30 January, on the shore near to Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club in Fortrose on the Black Isle. Police Scotland said extensive inquiries carried out since then have failed to identify her. The death is not being treated as suspicious. Detective Inspector Craig Still said: "We have had a significant response to previous appeals and we are grateful to everyone who has been in touch. Advertisement "However, this woman sadly remains unidentified and we are releasing this composite image in the hope somebody recognises her. "One line of inquiry is that this woman may have been present in the Inverness area prior to being found and we would urge anyone who may have seen her in the city to get in touch. More from Scotland Nicola Sturgeon should … [Read more...] about Computerised image released to help identify body of woman found on Scottish beach

Michael Ellis will take up the post of attorney general while Suella Braverman takes maternity leave, Downing Street has said. The government announced last month that legislation would be introduced to change the "clearly outdated" rules and allow her to take the leave. Ms Braverman will be designated Minister on Leave (Attorney General) during her six months of maternity leave. Mr Ellis has been temporarily promoted from solicitor general, with Lucy Frazer in turn replacing him. "The prime minister gives the attorney general his very best wishes for her maternity leave and looks forward to welcoming her back in the autumn," a Downing Street statement said. Advertisement The announcement comes after the Ministerial and Other Maternity Allowances Act was passed by parliament on Monday. Without the legislation, Ms Braverman would have had to quit in order to take time off to spend with her baby. More from Politics Chancellor promises … [Read more...] about Suella Braverman: Attorney general becomes first cabinet minister to go on maternity leave