Nicola Sturgeon reveals she has known about Alex Salmond sexual harassment claims 'for some time'

'Complaints were made that could not be ignored or swept under the carpet'

Nicola Sturgeon has vowed that sexual harassment claims against Alex Salmond will not be “swept under the carpet”, as she revealed she had known about them for some time.

The Scottish First Minister said her relationship with her predecessor “makes this an extremely difficult situation for me to come to terms with”.

But she added: “I have been clear on many occasions that all organisations and workplaces must make it possible for people to come forward to report concerns and have confidence that they will be treated seriously.

“For that principle to mean anything it cannot be applied selectively. It must be applied without fear or favour, regardless of the identity, seniority or political allegiance of the person involved.”

Ms Sturgeon was speaking for the first time since the Daily Record revealed Mr Salmond has been accused of carrying out attacks on two staff members in the first minister’s official Edinburgh residence in December 2013.

The Scottish Government has confirmed it received two complaints regarding Mr Salmond, who has described the allegations as “patently ridiculous”.

The former SNP leader and first minister is taking the government to court over the way it is investigating the claims, arguing a “real court” should decide whether he has a case to answer.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Although I have been aware for some time of the fact of the investigation - initially from Alex Salmond - I have had no role in the process, and to have referred to it before now would have compromised the integrity of the internal investigation, which I was not prepared to do.

“Alex Salmond is now challenging the Scottish Government's procedure in court. The Scottish Government refutes his criticisms of its process and will defend its position vigorously.

“However, this focus on process cannot deflect from the fact that complaints were made that could not be ignored or swept under the carpet.

She added: “I am also acutely aware how upsetting this will be for my party. However, the over-riding priority must be to ensure fair and due process.”

Leslie Evans, permanent secretary at the Scottish Government, said two complaints were raised in January against Mr Salmond and he was notified in March.

Ms Evans said the former first minister started legal proceedings last week when informed that a statement on the complaints was to be made public.

Mr Salmond has since dropped the proceedings, allowing the permanent secretary to confirm the issue.

The Daily Record reported that allegations about his conduct towards two staff members in 2013 - while he was in office - have been handed to Police Scotland, but the force would not comment on any inquiry.

In a statement, Mr Salmond said: “This is a procedure so unjust that even now I have not been allowed to see and therefore to properly challenge the case against me. I have not been allowed to see the evidence.

“It is therefore with great reluctance that I have today launched a judicial review in the Court of Session which will decide the issue of the lawfulness of the procedure which has been used against me.”