Former judicial complaints reviewer claims opposition to register of interests ‘creates suspicion’
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Scotland’s judiciary is under pressure again to publish a register of financial interest and investments so they can be “seen to be beyond reproach” ahead of a committee meeting at Holyrood to consider the issue this week.
Former Judicial complaints reviewer Moi Ali has called on the courts to bring in a register of interests and claims that refusing to do so creates “suspicion and undermines judicial credibility”.
in today’s Herald, she writes: “Only the judiciary has spoken out against it, and arguably it has a vested interest in the matter.
“As a ministerially-appointed board member in both Scotland and London, I am rightly required to complete a register of interests to provide assurance to the public that my dealings are above board.
“For the same reason, the judiciary should also have to complete such a register.”
Ms Ali did not seek a second term in the role after claiming she had “no power to make things different and better”.
She adds: “Its powerful position allows its members to remove people’s assets, separate families, and deprive citizens of their liberty.
“That is why it is essential not only that it has absolute integrity but also, crucially, that its members are seen to be beyond reproach.”
Ms Ali concludes that any opposition against a register from the judiciary “creates suspicion and undermines judicial credibility”.
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