AN investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the ministerial code during discussions with Alex Salmond has been put on hold until the conclusion of a court case against him.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said there is a "potential risk of prejudice" if the inquiry is held at the same time as the legal proceedings.
He said it has therefore been agreed that the probe should "be deferred while criminal investigations are active".
A Scottish Government review of its handling of complaints against the former first minister has also been delayed.
Swinney said: "Both the Scottish Government review and consideration under the ministerial code will recommence once criminal proceedings are no longer active and the risk of prejudice has been removed."
Salmond appeared in court last week charged with 14 offences, including two of attempted rape, but he insisted afterwards he refutes "absolutely these allegations of criminality".
Sturgeon, who had meetings and phone calls with the former first minister about the Scottish Government's handling of complaints against him, referred herself to those who consider potential breaches of the ministerial code of conduct.
Swinney said James Hamilton, the independent adviser on the Code, had "concluded that there is a potential risk of prejudice if the First Minister's self-referral under the ministerial code were to proceed at the present time".
In answer to a parliamentary question, Swinney added: "As a result, this review of its procedure for handling complaints about ministers or former ministers will not be progressed at this stage."
He stressed the Scottish Government is "committed to carrying out a review of the application of its procedure for handling complaints about ministers or former ministers".
But he also said: "The Scottish Government does not wish to undertake any activity which may unintentionally prejudice live criminal proceedings, adversely impact the rights of anyone involved in the proceedings or affect the formal criminal process which is now under way.
"As a result, this review of its procedure for handling complaints about ministers or former ministers will not be progressed at this stage."
Scottish Labour accused the Government of trying to "bury" the news by announcing the delay on the same day as a key budget vote at Holyrood.
The party's equalities spokeswoman Pauline McNeill said: "While it is understandable that the start of the investigation will be paused until the criminal case is resolved, it is deeply regrettable that the SNP Government has attempted to bury this news on the day of the Budget."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article