Russell Findlay: Angela Constance scandal shows the worst of the SNP

The Angela Constance grooming gang row shows “the very worst of the SNP”, FMQs has heard.

The justice secretary this week survived a vote of no confidence brought about after she quoted expert Professor Alexis Jay in a parliamentary debate.

The Scottish Government is under pressure to carry out an inquiry into grooming gangs, such as that carried out by Jay in England and Wales.

In September, Constance quoted Jay in the chamber, saying that the leading expert did not seek further inquiries on the matter.

Jay said that while her comment was correctly worded, it was out of context and did not apply to the Scottish situation.

On Wednesday, Constance said she had apologised to Jay in a private call which took place without the presence of a government official.

First Minister John Swinney is standing by the under-fire cabinet secretary.

Today Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said the matter is a “scandal”. He said: “It shows the very worst of the SNP: cynical and calculating, dishonest and devious, a government that always chooses short-term political fixes and convenience – never about what is doing right [sic] for victims, always about what is doing right [sic] for the SNP.

“Angela Constance's evidence to the education committee yesterday was shambolic and indefensible. The justice secretary has confirmed beyond any doubt whatsoever that she broke the ministerial code by refusing to admit her mistake at the earliest opportunity. Angela Constance misled the public, parliament and grooming gang victims. So what on earth does it take for John Swinney to sack any of his ministers?”

Swinney said Constance had “spent the best part of two hours” discussing the matter before the education committee.

He told the chamber: “I’ve said on a number of occasions to parliament, Angela Constance was making a general observation, drawing on the remarks of Professor Alexis Jay back in September, and having looked at the issue and looked at all of the material I'm content there's been no breach of the ministerial code.”