Fourth complaint made against Police Scotland Chief Constable
Last updated 2nd Oct 2017
A fourth complaint has been made against the Chief Constable of Police Scotland.
It comes as the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) confirmed it is investigating a third allegation about Phil Gormley, which was made last week.
He is currently on special leave while the allegations of gross misconduct are being considered.
Now a fourth claim has emerged in a newspaper that a fresh complaint of bullying has now been made against him.
The SPA declined to comment on the latest allegation.
The three previous complaints have been referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) for independent investigation.
In a statement, the Pirc said: `The Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (Pirc) is investigating further allegations of gross misconduct about the Chief Constable.
`Following a referral by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) on Wednesday 27 September 2017, the commissioner has assessed that the conduct which is the subject of the allegation would, if proved, amount to gross misconduct.
It went on: `As all three investigations are live it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.'
Mr Gormley, who took over the top job in Scottish policing in January 2016, went on special leave in September after it emerged a complaint of gross misconduct against him had been made by a member of the Force Executive, Police Scotland's senior management team.
In his last statement, issued when he stepped aside last month, Mr Gormley said: `In the interests of the office of Chief Constable and the broader interests of Police Scotland, I have sought and been granted special leave to enable this matter to be properly assessed.
`I deny and reject the allegations and will co-operate with the SPA's assessment and procedures. It is my intention to resume my full duties when this matter has been resolved.'
Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has taken over leadership of Police Scotland until further notice.