Scotland’s Justice Secretary Angela Constance has been found to have broken the ministerial code over her comments on grooming gangs, according to an independent investigation. The breaches happened during a parliament debate in September 2025, where she quoted an expert on child abuse but failed to correct the record quickly, sparking widespread criticism and calls for her resignation.
Investigation Details and Findings
The probe by independent advisers looked into Constance’s statements about Professor Alexis Jay, a key figure reviewing grooming gangs in Scotland. They ruled that her remarks had the potential to mislead parliament, marking the first breach.
Advisers noted the second breach came from a phone call where Constance apologized to Jay without officials present, calling it an error in judgment. Both issues were deemed inadvertent, with no intent to deceive.
The report recommended a written reprimand and a public statement to update the official record. First Minister John Swinney accepted these steps, allowing Constance to stay in her role.
Constance addressed parliament soon after, accepting the findings fully and apologizing. She stressed that she never meant to mislead anyone and admitted the situation should have been handled sooner.
Background of the Grooming Gangs Controversy
The issue started in September 2025 when Constance told MSPs that Professor Jay did not back further inquiries into grooming gangs. Jay later clarified her views did not apply to Scotland, prompting the government to correct this.
This led to accusations from opposition parties that Constance twisted facts to avoid a full probe into child exploitation cases. Victims and survivors expressed deep disappointment, feeling their concerns were sidelined.
Public outcry grew as details emerged, with some calling it a failure in protecting vulnerable children. The debate highlighted ongoing worries about how Scotland handles child sexual abuse reports.
- Key events in the timeline:
- September 2025: Constance quotes Jay in parliament debate.
- October 2025: Jay seeks clarification from the government.
- December 2025: Formal investigation begins amid mounting pressure.
- January 2026: Report released, finding two breaches.
Opposition leaders pointed to this as part of broader government accountability issues. They argued it damaged trust in handling sensitive topics like grooming gangs.
Political Reactions and Calls for Resignation
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay demanded Constance step down, labeling the saga a cover-up. He questioned how Swinney could keep her as Justice Secretary after the breaches.
Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar echoed this, saying victims had lost faith in her leadership. He urged focus on real support for those affected by grooming gangs.
Even within the SNP, some voices expressed concern, though the party rallied behind her. Former Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill publicly stated she should go, calling it arrogance toward victims.
Public sentiment, seen in social media discussions, showed frustration over perceived leniency. Many felt the “inadvertent” label softened what they saw as serious mistakes.
Constance defended herself, saying she acted in good faith and would continue working on justice reforms. She highlighted her commitment to tackling child exploitation through existing reviews.
Impact on Victims and Broader Implications
Victims of grooming gangs reported feeling betrayed by the handling of the debate. One survivor named Taylor spoke out, saying the misrepresentation failed those seeking truth and justice.
Advocacy groups pushed for stronger inquiries, arguing Scotland lags behind other UK regions in addressing organized child abuse. They called for transparent processes to rebuild confidence.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Breaches Found | Two: Misleading comments and improper phone call |
| Consequences | Written reprimand, parliamentary statement |
| Key Figures Involved | Angela Constance, Professor Alexis Jay, John Swinney |
| Public Response | Calls for resignation, loss of trust from victims |
| Next Steps | Continued review of grooming gangs evidence |
This case raises questions about ministerial standards in Scotland. It could influence future debates on child protection policies, especially with elections approaching.
Government Response and Future Outlook
Swinney backed the investigation’s outcome, emphasizing it showed no deliberate wrongdoing. He committed to following all recommendations to maintain high standards.
Constance pledged to learn from the incident and focus on her duties. She mentioned ongoing work with experts like Jay to gather evidence on grooming gangs.
Critics worry this sets a low bar for accountability. They predict more scrutiny on how the government handles corrections in parliament.
As Scotland deals with rising reports of child exploitation, this controversy underscores the need for clear communication. It may lead to tighter rules on ministerial statements.
The story continues to unfold, with potential for further debates in Holyrood. Readers, share your thoughts on this issue in the comments below and spread the word if you found this analysis helpful.
