Justice Secretary to be quizzed over Chief Constable's special leave
Michael Matheson has been accused of 'interfering' in the decision over whether Phil Gormley can return to work.
Last updated 10th Jan 2018
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson will be questioned by MSPs this afternoon about Police Scotland's Chief Constable going on special leave.
Michael Matheson is due to make a statement at Holyrood after claims he stepped in to block Phil Gormley's return to work.
Mr Gormley was placed on special leave in September amid allegations of gross misconduct, which he denies.
Mr Matheson has been accused of "interfering" in the decision over whether he should return to active duty after the board of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) gave Mr Gormley its unanimous backing to go back to work in November.
A lawyer for Mr Gormley, David Morgan wrote to the then SPA's chair Andrew Flanagan saying his client was "concerned that his return was delayed following intervention" by Mr Matheson.
The decision for Mr Gormley to be placed on leave is being kept under review by the board of the SPA, who will next consider the matter on January 25