Role of Scotland’s top law officer questioned after ‘bombshell’ over Peter Murrell charges

Scotland's top law officer, Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, has faced criticism after it emerged that she informed First Minister John Swinney of Peter Murrell's criminal charges nearly a year before they were made public. The revelation has raised questions about her dual role as chief prosecutor and government legal adviser in cabinet. Opposition parties have called for transparency and impartiality in handling criminal cases, with the Scottish Labour deputy leader stating that the public "need to know". Senior legal figures are surprised by the delay in publishing an expert report on splitting Bain's roles, which was received over a year ago. The issue has been debated since 2007, with experts pointing out that similar roles in England and Wales are held by different people. A review of the dual role is currently being considered by the Scottish government.

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