Constance to make statement after probe into ministerial code breach

Justice Secretary Angela Constance will make a statement to MSPs after the First Minister received a report from independent advisers into whether she breached the ministerial code; the advisers reportedly found two inadvertent breaches.

Scotland's Justice Secretary, Angela Constance, is due to make a statement to MSPs after the First Minister received a report into whether she breached the ministerial code. Independent advisers investigated allegations that she had misled the Scottish Parliament by misrepresenting comments from an expert on grooming gangs, Professor Alexis Jay. The advisers' report has been handed to First Minister John Swinney and is reported to have found two inadvertent breaches. Ms Constance has remained in post and Mr Swinney issued a formal letter of reprove. Key points: - Independent advisers investigated claims that Ms Constance misrepresented comments by Professor Alexis Jay during a September 2025 debate about a possible grooming gangs inquiry. - The First Minister has received the advisers' report and issued a written letter of reprove to the Justice Secretary. - The advisers reportedly concluded there were two breaches of the ministerial code, described as inadvertent and without intention to mislead. - Ms Constance is expected to make a statement to MSPs at 3.40pm on Tuesday. - She has declined to resign and remains in her role following the report. Summary: Officials say the independent advisers found two inadvertent breaches of the ministerial code and recommended a formal reprove. The First Minister has issued a letter of reprove and Angela Constance remains Justice Secretary. She is scheduled to make a statement to Parliament at 3.40pm on Tuesday.