Opposition say Scottish Government's new six-figure strategy director will be leading a 'Department for Independence'
There has been a furious reaction to news that the Scottish Government is to pay a civil servant a six-figure salary to lead the drive for independence.
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 28.09.11
- Published online : 28.09.11 @ 11.32am
The new senior official, who will be known as director general for strategy and external affairs, will be responsible for pressing the case for more powers for the Scottish Parliament.
But the revelation has been seized upon by opposition parties at Holyrood as evidence the SNP is using public funds to pursue its goal of independence at a time of major financial difficulty.
There is already concern in some quarters about the "politicisation" of the civil service under the SNP, with former Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott accusing some of "crossing the line" and issuing pro-independence propaganda.
The Scottish Government has six directors-general working directly under the permanent secretary, Scotland's most senior civil servant.
The new post will add a seventh and pay a salary between £101,500 and £208,100 — meaning the holder could earn more than the First Minister, who receives £140,000-a-year.
The news comes at a time when the Scottish Government is attempting to find a 25% reduction in senior civil service costs over three years.
A spokesman insisted the government was still on target to make the efficiencies, but Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray attacked the creation of the new post, branding it a "director general for independence".
He added: "At a time when thousands of public sector workers face losing their jobs the creation of a new six-figure post to promote separation sends all the wrong messages.
"We're now going to have a very highly paid senior civil servant in this post. Perhaps they can tell us when the referendum will be, what the question will be and what is meant by separation — as Alex Salmond clearly can't or won't.
"I fail to see what the creation of this expensive post will add to the government of Scotland. The money would have been far better spent on someone to promote economic growth."
'Vacuous'
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: "This looks like a Department for Independence. Up until now the SNP has been vacuous in its response to questions about the country's future.
"At last we may get some answers on the cost of splitting Scotland from the UK. We need clarity about the gory truth of the SNP's plans for Scotland.
"With independence now closer than ever, it's critical that this is not another highly-paid spin doctor for the SNP but a senior civil servant that will assist people in Scotland to make a mature decision about our future."
Tory leader Annabel Goldie added: "What will nurses, teachers and other hard-pressed public sector workers make of Alex Salmond's appointment of an independence guru on a fancy salary paid for out of the public purse?
"This says everything about Alex Salmond's priorities, and nothing about Scotland's needs."
The decision to create the post follows a review of the government's senior leadership structure.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The creation of this post will strengthen our capability to deliver the government's ambitious programme for Scotland.
"We are already well on the way to achieving the government's policy to reduce senior civil service costs by 25% over the next three years, with an estimated reduction of 13% in this financial year alone."
Alex Salmond has said the referendum on Scottish independence will take place at some point in the second half of the five-year term of the Scottish Parliament.
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