The reputation of Scotland's police watchdog is in crisis as a result of the performance of the chairman, MSPs have been told.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon made the claims about Scottish Police Authority (SPA) chairman Andrew Flanagan, who was recently told by members of Holyrood's Public Audit Committee he was "not running the Kremlin" as they pressed him on the organisation's openness.

During that session, Mr Flanagan revealed he did not pass on to other board members a letter sent to him by HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland Derek Penman questioning governance arrangements at the SPA and the decision to hold some of its meetings behind closed doors.

Ms Lennon said the "reputation of the Scottish Police Authority is in crisis" in the wake of the chairman's "terrible performance".

She asked Justice Secretary Michael Matheson: "Is Andrew Flanagan capable of turning things around? He has already faced calls for his resignation. Cabinet Secretary, should he stay or should he go?"

Mr Matheson did not answer the question but stressed to MSPs he expected all public bodies, including the SPA, to conduct their business in an "open and transparent" manner.

The Justice Secretary said: "There's no doubt the Public Audit Committee will want to consider the evidence which it received.

"I am very clear about the need for the Scottish Police Authority, like any public body, to be open and transparent about the way in which they are discharging their responsibilities.

"I've made that very clear to the chair and to the Scottish Police Authority in ensuring the processes and mechanisms which they have in place are open and transparent."

Mr Matheson also acted to ensure HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) bring forward part of a planned inspection of the SPA.

"Once we have the HMICS report on this matter we can then consider any recommendations or findings that are contained within that," he said.

"I do expect, like all public bodies, the Scottish Police Authority to make sure it is open and transparent in the way it conducts its business."

Mr Matheson had earlier told Ms Lennon he had not had a meeting with Mr Flanagan since January 18 this year.

However, a Scottish Government spokesman later said Mr Matheson had inadvertently got the date wrong and did in fact meet with Mr Flanagan on April 18.

The spokesman said: "Mr Matheson met the chair of the Scottish Police Authority last week, on April 18th.

"The Cabinet Secretary inadvertently said the wrong date in the Chamber and is taking steps to ensure the Official Record is corrected."