End of the line for McLetchie

End of the line for McLetchie

If anyone ever doubted the power of freedom of information the political careers of Keith Raffan and now David McLetchie stand as stark evidence of its effectiveness.

Keith Raffan, a Liberal Democrat MSP, resigned only one week into the new FoI regime, when it became clear his mileage claims would come under scrutiny. He cited ill health for his departure, but has had £6000 withheld from his ill health retirement allowance unless he can explain a number of discrepancies. Mr McLetchie's problems invloved information about his expenses being withheld by the Scottish Parliament in response to a freedom of information request. But this was ordered to be released after an appeal to Kevin Dunion, the Scottish Information Commissioner.

Disclosure law claims two scalps (The Herald, 1 November 2005)