Nicola Sturgeon pays tribute to Alex Salmond after former SNP leader's sudden death

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to her former SNP colleague and political mentor Alex Salmond.

The former first minister worked closely with the ex-first minister for more than three decades as they helped transform the Nationalists into an election-winning machine.

The duo were also the driving force behind the 2014 independence referendum and the campaign for a Yes vote.

But the pair fell out after historic allegations of sexual assault were made against Salmond by several women, which led to a criminal trial in 2020.

Alex Salmond, the then SNP leader, with Nicola Sturgeon and other MSPs in 2007
Alex Salmond, the then SNP leader, with Nicola Sturgeon and other MSPs in 2007 -Credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Salmond repeatedly denied wrongdoing and was ultimately cleared of all charges. But the former friends never repaired their once close working relationship.

Reacting to her former colleague's sudden passing today, Sturgeon said: "I am shocked and sorry to learn of Alex Salmond’s death.

"Obviously, I cannot pretend that the events of the past few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship did not happen, and it would not be right for me to try.

"However, it remains the fact that for many years Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life. He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.

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"Alex modernised the SNP and led us into government for the first time, becoming Scotland’s fourth First Minister and paving the way for the 2014 referendum which took Scotland to the brink of independence.

"He will be remembered for all of that. My thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his friends.”

Sturgeon served as Salmond's deputy throughout his time as first minister, before she stepped up to take the top job following his resignation in 2014 in the aftermath of the independence referendum.

She went on to become Scotland's longest serving first minister before she stunned the political world with her sudden resignation in February 2023.

Salmond resigned from the SNP in 2019 before his court trial and went on to launch a breakaway pro-independence party, Alba.

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