25th September 2025
A former senior staff member of the Scottish Liberal Democrats is calling for an independent investigation into what she describes as a culture of “silencing and intimidation” within the party.
Emma Walker, who previously served as CEO and mental health spokesperson, alleges that during her time at Scottish HQ staff were pressured into signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and that attempts to raise concerns internally were blocked.
Walker says: “The public won’t know the truth about who they’re voting for until there is an independent investigation.”
Allegations About Legal Influence
Walker claims that the party has a high number of senior figures with legal backgrounds, which she alleges created conflicts of interest when staff tried to seek outside legal help.
She names several prominent members — including Alistair Carmichael MP, Sheila Ritchie (former Convener), and Fred Mackintosh KC (former Lead Adjudicator of the complaints process). Walker alleges that Ritchie authorised NDAs and that Carmichael was involved in decisions she believes contributed to silencing.
She further claims that Mackintosh’s resignation days after she first spoke up about abuse was connected to her disclosures, although she notes that the official explanation for his resignation was unrelated.
The Romiley Gazette has contacted all those named for comment. None had responded by the time of publication.
NDAs and Confidential Settlements
Walker alleges that in her eight months at Scottish HQ, half of the staff team signed NDAs. She claims she personally processed one such settlement, which she says involved a payment of £14,000, and alleges another NDA worth £24,000 was connected to bullying allegations involving a senior MP.
NDAs are lawful and commonly used by organisations to protect confidentiality. Walker argues that their use in these cases prevented accountability and transparency.
Alleged Intimidation
Walker also alleges that she experienced online monitoring from individuals connected to the party’s legal team after she began making public disclosures. She says she contacted the party’s lawyer multiple times to request a whistleblowing policy but claims she never received a copy.
Walker adds that she did receive a copy of the whistleblowing policy from London HQ but was informed that her disclosures were not covered under that version and that she would need to obtain a separate policy from the Scottish party. She says she has repeatedly requested this document but has not been provided with it.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have not confirmed whether a whistleblowing policy is publicly available.
Call for Investigation
Walker is asking supporters to write to the Scottish Liberal Democrats requesting a copy of their whistleblowing policy and to call for an independent investigation into the party’s internal processes.
Party Response
The Romiley Gazette invited the Scottish Liberal Democrats to respond to Walker’s allegations, including claims about NDAs, intimidation, and hidden legal costs. At the time of going to press, no comment had been received.
The Wider Issue
Legal experts consulted by the Gazette note that NDAs can play a legitimate role in resolving disputes but may raise concerns if used in ways that deter reporting of harassment or misconduct.
Walker frames her disclosures as whistleblowing in the public interest, but the allegations remain untested and have not been subject to independent review.
