Overview
- Moira Salmond assigned the legal rights to Paul McManus on 13 February 2026, enabling him to continue the claim.
- The action alleges misfeasance by senior figures including Nicola Sturgeon and former permanent secretary Leslie Evans over the handling of complaints made by two civil servants during Salmond’s time at Bute House.
- McManus, a Labour donor and drummer with the Scottish band Gun, says he did not know Salmond but believes he was targeted and he pledges to pursue accountability.
- Preparatory legal work has been progressing for months under solicitor advocate Professor Peter Watson of PBW Law with colleagues Michael McKitrick and Pamela Rodgers.
- A judge previously ruled the government’s complaints process was tainted by apparent bias and awarded Salmond more than £500,000, while a later inquiry cleared Sturgeon of wrongdoing and officials declined to comment on the live case.