Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Willie Rennie MSP has questioned the impartiality of Sir Peter Housden after he failed to uphold a complaint made against the SNP after they broke ‘purdah’ rules during the local election campaign.

Commenting, Mr Rennie said:

“Yet again Sir Peter has failed to uphold the traditions of the independent civil service. He is acting more like an SNP lackey than the Head of the Civil Service in Scotland.

“The SNP clearly broke ‘purdah’ rules by making an announcement on council funding during the election period. It was an election gimmick and an abuse of Derek Mackay’s position as local government minister.

“Sir Peter has repeatedly failed to take a balanced view of complaints against the SNP government. This is yet another decision that questions his impartiality.

“I will be appealing this decision to Sir Bob Kerslake, the new Head of the Civil Service. Sir Peter needs to be reminded that he works for the public, not for the SNP.”