Grooming gang row 'could have been handled better' - Constance

"Constance survived a vote of no confidence at Holyrood earlier this month after opponents alleged she had failed to correct the record. The controversy dates back to a debate in September when Constance told parliament that Prof Jay - who is overseeing a review of the evidence on grooming gangs in Scotland - did not support further grooming gang inquiries. However, Prof Jay later clarified that her remarks did not refer to inquiries in Scotland."

"Asked by BBC Scotland News if the controversy could have been handled better, Constance replied: "I always accept that things could have been handled better. "At the end of the day, we are all human. "All of my actions have been in good faith." The minister added that the last thing she wanted was "dedicated professionals" to be dragged into a "political dispute"."

Angela Constance is subject to an independent investigation to determine if her comments about Prof Alexis Jay breached the ministerial code. The issue originated from a September debate in which Constance said Prof Jay did not support further grooming gang inquiries; Prof Jay later clarified her remarks were not about inquiries in Scotland. Constance survived a no-confidence vote but opponents argued she failed to correct the record. Independent advisers notified the First Minister and a probe is expected to conclude in a timely manner. Constance said she accepted things could have been handled better and expressed confidence in due process.

Read at www.bbc.com