Former first minister Alex Salmond’s apparent determination to bring down his successor, Nicola Sturgeon, threatens to blow apart the SNP’s unity and party discipline.
Just four months away from a Holyrood election, some members yesterday confessed to feeling “despair” after Salmond’s scathing criticism of Sturgeon emerged.
She was publicly backed by many senior MPs and MSPs yesterday, including justice secretary Humza Yousaf who said she would be “relishing her appearance before committee so the facts can be established”, while MP Kirsty Blackman accused Salmond of “desperately lashing out” and “trying to take down the best leader our party has had”.
However, others are supportive of Salmond and say there is a wider disillusion with a leadership which critics within the party brand too cliquey and cautious in pursuing independence. His supporters believe there was a conspiracy to block Salmond’s return to politics and that, while the desire to investigate the complaints of sexual harassment was genuine, there was also a desire to ensure they would sink his reputation.
Civil service chief goes fourth as Salmond escalates attacks on her conduct
One party member and former official said: “The mood among most members will be one of bewilderment. But most understand something isn’t quite right. Once Alex finally speaks directly and publicly, many in the SNP and the wider movement will be shocked.”
However, another SNP party source said: “Salmond admitted in court to unconscionable behaviour in the highest office of the land and his own lawyer branded him a sex pest and a bully.”
“He wanted the first minister to sweep the allegations against him under the carpet and when she refused, Salmond threw the longest, most hysterical tantrum in the history of Scottish politics.”
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