New ministerial code advisers appointed by Swinney

Three new advisers on the Scottish ministerial code have been appointed by John Swinney.

Former Irish director of public prosecutions Claire Loftus, former permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office and civil service chief Sir John Manzoni, and ex-lord justice of appeal Sir Ernest Ryder have taken on the posts.

Lady Eilish Angiolini KC and James Hamilton KC have stepped down from the roles after more than a decade.

Independent advisers to the Scottish Ministerial Code play a vital role in upholding the highest standards of integrity and propriety

The ministerial code regulates the conduct of members of the Scottish Government, with strict rules about propriety and ethics.

Previously, referrals over previous breaches of the code had to be made by the first minister, but Mr Swinney aims to change that, with the newest publication said to allow for advisers to start an investigation without instruction from Bute House.

“Independent advisers to the Scottish ministerial code play a vital role in upholding the highest standards of integrity and propriety,” the First Minister said.

“Having served as independent advisers for 13 and 11 years respectively, Lady Eilish Angiolini and James Hamilton have made significant contributions to the role. I am grateful to them both for their dedicated public service.

“I look forward to working with Claire Loftus, Sir John Manzoni and Sir Ernest Ryder and welcome the expertise and knowledge they will bring to the role.

“The new Scottish ministerial code will further strengthen transparency, accountability and independent scrutiny, with independent advisers able to launch their own investigations where they consider that necessary.”

The First Minister pledged to update the ministerial code, along with the rules for its advisers, in his first Programme for Government in September.