Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, has openly expressed his doubts about ever reconciling with his successor, Nicola Sturgeon. The once formidable political duo, who served together from 2007 to 2014, saw their relationship deteriorate due to complaints about Salmond’s conduct while in office. This rift led to a bitter split between the two leaders, with Salmond admitting that he is unsure if their relationship can ever be repaired.
The animosity between Salmond and Sturgeon stemmed from allegations made against Salmond, which resulted in legal action against the government for its handling of the investigation into him. Despite being cleared of allegations of sexual impropriety by the High Court in Edinburgh, the damage to their relationship was already done. A Holyrood inquiry into the handling of complaints against Salmond further strained their relationship, with both leaders called to testify in marathon sessions.
During a BBC documentary titled “Salmond And Sturgeon: A Troubled Union,” Salmond expressed his regret over the breakdown of his relationship with Sturgeon, stating, “I don’t really do hurt feelings very much … but it’s a big regret that Nicola and I are no longer on speaking terms.” He went on to say that he doubts their relationship can be salvaged, acknowledging that they may never be able to mend fences.
Sturgeon, who unexpectedly resigned in 2023, also reflected on her relationship with Salmond, describing him as a “very positive force” in her life for a long time. However, she admitted that she had to learn how to be herself and move on from their fractured relationship. The long-running inquiry into the handling of harassment complaints by the Scottish Government added to the turmoil, with Sturgeon acknowledging the challenges she faced internally.
The inquiry’s final report found that Sturgeon had misled the inquiry over a meeting with Salmond in her home in 2018, where he was left with the impression that she would intervene in the process if necessary. Despite this, Sturgeon was cleared of breaching the ministerial code and survived a vote to oust her from office. The entire saga surrounding the complaints against Salmond not only tarnished the Scottish Government’s reputation but also led to significant financial repercussions, with Salmond being awarded over £500,000.
Salmond’s decision to launch the Alba Party in 2021 further strained his relationship with Sturgeon and the SNP. The Alba Party has been critical of Sturgeon and her key allies, including Humza Yousaf and John Swinney. This political divide has deepened the rift between the two leaders, making it increasingly unlikely that they will be able to reconcile in the future.
As the fallout from the handling of complaints against Salmond continues to impact Scottish politics, the relationship between Salmond and Sturgeon remains fractured. The BBC documentary sheds light on the complexities of their troubled union and the challenges they faced during their time in office. Despite their shared history and once close partnership, it seems that the rift between Salmond and Sturgeon may be irreparable, leaving them to navigate the consequences of their strained relationship in the public eye.