Gordon Jackson to resign as dean of the Faculty of Advocates

The QC who acted for Scotland’s former first minister, Alex Salmond, during his recent court case has announced that he plans to resign as dean of the Faculty of Advocates.

Gordon Jackson, a former MSP,  has referred himself to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission after footage emerged of him making comments in a public place about the former first minister and two of his accusers while the trial was proceeding and before Salmond was acquitted of all charges against him.

In a statement, Jackson said: “I have intimated my decision to resign as dean of the Faculty of Advocates, with effect from 30 June, at the latest.

“It would not, however, be appropriate for me to remain as dean at a time when the faculty was considering disciplinary proceedings regarding my conduct.

“Accordingly, if, before that date, the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission remits the recent complaint for consideration by the faculty’s complaints committee, I will stand down as dean immediately. I do not intend to make any further comment.”