Nicola Sturgeon Reflects on Turbulent Political Career Amid Police Investigation
Nicola Sturgeon, the former leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), delved into her personal experiences during a turbulent phase of her political career, including police investigations and controversies surrounding her tenure, reports 24brussels.
In recent remarks, Sturgeon recounted her interactions with Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, during the 2015 leaders’ debate. She recalled his boisterous demeanor in the green room before the debate, describing it as “bravado and just not very pleasant.”
Sturgeon, who governed Scotland for nearly eight and a half years, also discussed the dramatic police raid on her home and her subsequent arrest in 2023 during an investigation into the SNP’s finances. She expressed her shock upon seeing images of her home after the raid, likening the scene to “a murder scene.”
“I had this sense of horror and upset and the kind of shame of it all,” Sturgeon told ITV, referring to the police operation that also involved her estranged husband, former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell, who was arrested on related charges.
The former First Minister described the experience of being questioned by police as “horrific,” revealing that it took an emotional toll on her. Police Scotland later confirmed in March that she was no longer a suspect in the investigation, while Murrell faced charges of embezzlement.
Having served as an Member of the Scottish Parliament since its formation in 1999, Sturgeon announced she will not seek re-election in the upcoming May Holyrood elections.
Reform UK has yet to respond to inquiries regarding Sturgeon’s comments and her criticism of Farage.