Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has drawn criticism for recent public remarks that question the direction of the Scottish National Party (SNP) under her successor, John Swinney, and appear to disparage her former colleagues. The commentary, made in a new foreword for her memoirs, has been labeled by some as a sign of "reputational disintegration" and a lack of loyalty.
Sturgeon's remarks, as reported, suggested that the SNP's recent election campaign lacked "vision or big-picture thinking" and was "detached from the bigger issues bearing down on people’s lives." She also asserted that Swinney's approach was contributing to a decline in SNP support, potentially benefiting the Scottish Greens, and expressed concern that the current leadership might not succeed in securing independence.
Specifically, Sturgeon reportedly takes issue with Swinney's pivot back to the extraction of North Sea oil and gas, which she views as a "massive electoral blunder" that could undermine the SNP's "Left-of-centre environmentalist credentials." These criticisms come as the SNP faces challenges in maintaining its electoral dominance in Scotland.
These public criticisms have been met with strong reactions. Geoff Aberdein, a former aide to Alex Salmond, stated that Sturgeon "has shown no loyalty, no self-awareness and no class." The author of the source material suggests that a former head of government, even when out of office, should refrain from slighting their successor, chiding old colleagues, or becoming a distraction.
The commentary also touches on Sturgeon's past achievements and leadership style. She is credited with significant political successes, including being the first Nationalist to win a Glasgow constituency in a general election, serving as a respected Cabinet Secretary for Health, and leading her party through eight consecutive national election wins. Her public image evolved, and at her 2015 height, she was described as one of Britain's most popular politicians.
However, the source material also details several controversial aspects of her tenure, including the "ferries fiasco" involving the delayed and over-budget construction of new vessels, issues within the education system, and the divisive gender recognition debate. The financial difficulties and alleged mismanagement within the SNP, including the "wedding-list pillage of SNP funds by Peter Murrell," Sturgeon's estranged husband, are also highlighted as significant challenges that occurred during her leadership.
The author contends that Sturgeon's rise in politics was driven by ambition and a strategic approach, noting her early entry into the SNP and her ascent to leadership. The source points to her becoming the sole nominee for the leadership after Alex Salmond's departure, arguing that such uncontested ascensions can be detrimental. The narrative suggests that the party's direction shifted under her leadership, with a perceived "ignorance of rural and Highland realities" and a "disdain for family values."
Recent public statements by Sturgeon, particularly her remarks to Laura Kuenssberg where she expressed a desire not to be blamed for the actions of men in her life, have been met with skepticism. The author notes that Sturgeon has been accused of marginalizing other women in politics and recalls her perceived glee at the electoral defeat of Jo Swinson. The source also reiterates that as SNP leader, Sturgeon had ultimate responsibility for the party's finances, despite her claims of not being aware of issues within the party's funding.
The piece concludes by suggesting that Sturgeon may have spent too much time as First Minister focusing on future international roles rather than her immediate responsibilities, a path that the author believes will not lead to the "absolution" she seeks.