Register of interest plan for judges moves closer

Judges in Scotland will have to declare their financial interests under the SNP Government's transparency plans.

Ministers are pushing ahead with the openness scheme despite opposition from the judiciary. Unlike politicians and quango board members, judges and sheriffs are not required to publish details of any directorships or shares they hold.

Critics believe the lack of public disclosure could lead to hidden conflicts of interests. The issue was raised nearly ten years ago by campaigner Peter Cherbi, whose Holyrood petition called for a register of interests to be introduced.

Lord Gill, who at the time was Scotland’s most senior judge, criticised the idea by saying it could encourage “aggressive media or hostile individuals”.

His successor as Lord President, Lord Carloway, also claimed the policy would be “detrimental” to justice in Scotland.

However, MSPs across the political spectrum back the principle of a register and a commitment was made by the SNP during the Holyrood election. Now Keith Brown, who was appointed by Nicola Sturgeon to be the new Justice Secretary, has confirmed the Government is taking it forward.

He said: “It was a manifesto commitment of the SNP to create a register of interests for members of the judiciary to improve transparency and trust in the justice system.

“Now that the new government is in place, we will start looking at ways this register can be introduced and take forward the work needed to achieve this manifesto commitment.”