It follows a complaint submitted by Jamie Bryson in October 2024
Kirstie McCrum and James Martin McCarthy
11:47, 02 Feb 2026
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill(Image: Charles McQuillan, Getty Images)
The PSNI has confirmed today (Monday) that is is carrying out enquiries into misconduct allegations involving Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Executive Office Committee chair, Paula Bradshaw.
The complaint was submitted by Jamie Bryson in October 2024, centring on a meeting conducted between the two individuals before Ms O’Neill appeared before the committee in October 2024; though it’s understood that fresh material has recently emerged. This development surfaced this morning whilst TUV MLA Timothy Gaston faces a two-day suspension following a Standards probe into his behaviour during the committee session.
Addressing journalists on Monday (February 2) morning, TUV leader Jim Allister said: “There are police inquiries pertaining to whether or not the First Minister and the chairman of this committee, Paula Bradshaw could be in breach of the criminal law of a in respect of misfeasance in the public office by reason of the private, pre-committed, consultations with a witness to give evidence to that [committee] a nd the talking to with her of the legal advice confidential to that committee, which was shaping the format for that meeting.
“Now in circumstances where there is apparently an ongoing police inquiry into these matters, it is an added layer of why it is wholly disproportionate and inappropriate for this Assembly today to proceed to sanction anyone.”, reports Belfast Live.
In a statement to Belfast Live, Jamie Bryson verified that he had originally filed the complaint in 2024. “The complaint was lodged by me on 23 Oct 2024. PSNI provided an update on 6 January 2026, confirming they had obtained other material,” he said.
“This material was not from me. However on 1 February I provided further voluminous material to PSNI in support of the complaint, and furthermore raising potential additional FOI Act offences.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland received correspondence concerning an allegation of misconduct in public office in October 2024. Enquiries remain ongoing.”