Call for force to 'come clean' after 'complaint lodged' against new Police Scotland chief

A complaint has reportedly been lodged against Police Scotland's new chief constable.

It is understood the alleged grievance against Jo Farrell was made by Deputy Chief Officer David Page, the most senior civilian member of the force's executive team.

The alleged complaint is reportedly being dealt with by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), the independent body which oversees and governs the force.

However, the SPA refused to confirm any details.

A spokesperson said: "The authority does not confirm or comment on this type of enquiry. Any complaints or concerns of that nature would be confidential."

'Come clean about exactly what is going on'

In response, Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservatives' justice spokesperson, is calling for ministers, Police Scotland and the SPA to "come clean" over the alleged complaint.

The MSP said: "Since being created by the SNP government a decade ago, Police Scotland has often been accused of lacking transparency which is unhealthy, unhelpful and undermines public confidence.

"All public bodies have a duty to be candid about such important issues and I would urge ministers, Police Scotland and the SPA to come clean about exactly what is going on."

CC Farrell is the first woman to lead Police Scotland after joining the force from Durham Constabulary, which she had led since 2019.

She previously hit the headlines after commandeering a patrol car to taxi her home to England after her train was cancelled due to Storm Babet.

CC Farrell apologised for her "error of judgement" - which happened less than two weeks into her new role, while emergency services dealt with flooding and disruption caused by the severe weather.

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DCO Page began his career in the army and spent 10 years in military intelligence before working in the financial sector for businesses including the Royal Bank of Scotland and Standard Life.

He joined Police Scotland in 2016 and oversees departments such as finance, procurement, estates, and people and development.

DCO Page is said to be on leave while his alleged complaint is reportedly being investigated, according to The Scottish Sun.