Christina Hendry, niece of the late Alex Salmond, has openly criticized Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir, Frankly, for tarnishing her uncle’s reputation. Hendry stated that if Salmond were alive, he would have defended himself against these claims with ‘every fibre of his being.’
Key Points from Sturgeon’s Memoir
In her recently released memoir, Sturgeon delves deep into her tumultuous relationship with Salmond, her predecessor as Scotland’s first minister. Among the claims, she alleges that Salmond opposed equal marriage, overrode her objections regarding the release of the Lockerbie bomber, and engaged in extramarital affairs. Additionally, Sturgeon reflects on their falling out over the Scottish government’s handling of sexual harassment allegations against him.
It’s noteworthy that Salmond had stood trial in 2020 on 13 counts of sexual assault and was cleared of all charges. However, the trial brought to light a pattern of inappropriate behavior and bullying toward younger female staff, further fueling divisive opinions among political circles.
The Salmond Family’s Response
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Hendry expressed her belief that Sturgeon’s comments in the book are timed to stir up controversy and generate publicity. She questioned, ‘Why bring these things up now, particularly when he is no longer here to defend himself?’
She also confirmed that her uncle’s widow, Moira Salmond, has instructed lawyers to continue legal action against the Scottish government for its mishandling of the original harassment investigation. This legal battle is seen by close family members as a continuation of Alex Salmond’s efforts before his death in 2022.
Future Political Aspirations
In a significant development, Hendry announced her intention to run for Holyrood under the Alba Party, founded by Salmond in 2021. She aims to honor her uncle’s legacy while addressing the frustrations of rural communities in Scotland’s north-east—a region often overlooked in political discourse.
Why the Memoir Sparks Debate
Sturgeon’s decision to address these sensitive issues, especially the theory that Salmond himself may have leaked harassment allegations to the Daily Record, adds to the controversy. While she claims to have ‘agonized’ over raising painful topics for Salmond’s surviving family, she justifies it as a necessity to counter claims and defend her perspective.
A Legacy in Dispute
For Scottish politics enthusiasts, the tension between Sturgeon and Salmond is emblematic of the deep divides within Scotland’s independence movement. As Hendry pushes forward with her political ambition, it is clear that she intends to continue advocating for her uncle’s vision, despite the shadow cast by his controversial legacy.
Recommended Read
Looking to dive deeper into Scottish politics and leadership struggles? Consider reading Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir, Frankly, available now. It offers a first-hand account of major decisions, political conflicts, and personal insights from one of Scotland’s most prominent figures.