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Salmond Accuses Sturgeon of Misleading Parliament

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. d-accuses-sturgeon-of-misleading-parliament.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 13:12 GMT by Daily Record
      Locales: Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM

Edinburgh, Scotland - February 13th, 2026 - Scottish politics is embroiled in a renewed and increasingly bitter conflict as Alex Salmond, former First Minister, has publicly and forcefully criticised his successor, Nicola Sturgeon, alleging she provided a 'misleading' account of the inquiry into harassment allegations. This accusation, leveled just days before the upcoming general election, is being amplified by Alba Party MPs who are demanding a formal parliamentary inquiry into Ms. Sturgeon's testimony. The escalating tensions threaten to dominate the election conversation, shifting the focus from policy debates to internal party disputes and accusations of dishonesty.

The origins of this renewed conflict lie in the complex and highly sensitive inquiry into allegations of harassment, a case that previously led to significant political upheaval and ultimately, Ms. Sturgeon's resignation. While the details of the initial allegations remain sensitive, the current dispute centers not on the allegations themselves, but on the accuracy of Ms. Sturgeon's statements about the inquiry when she gave evidence. Mr. Salmond asserts that Ms. Sturgeon presented a 'distorted' and 'obfuscated' version of events, going beyond simple errors to establish a 'consistent pattern' of misrepresentation.

Alba Party, founded by Mr. Salmond after a falling out with the SNP, is seizing on this opportunity to push for accountability. Neale Hanvey, Alba's Westminster leader, has been vocal in demanding a full parliamentary inquiry. "These allegations are serious and demand a thorough examination," Hanvey stated. "A parliamentary inquiry is essential to establish the truth and hold those responsible to account." The call for an inquiry is framed as a matter of parliamentary integrity, arguing that misleading parliament undermines public trust and requires robust scrutiny.

The SNP, predictably, has vehemently rejected Mr. Salmond's accusations. A spokesperson dismissed them as "baseless attacks" and a "desperate attempt to distract from his own failings." This response underscores the deep-seated animosity between the two former allies and highlights the intense rivalry between the SNP and the Alba Party, which is attempting to carve out a niche for itself by appealing to disillusioned SNP voters. The SNP has consistently maintained that Ms. Sturgeon acted with integrity throughout the ordeal and that any suggestion of deliberate misleading is politically motivated.

However, the timing of Mr. Salmond's public attack raises questions about his motives. The general election is rapidly approaching, and the Scottish political landscape is already highly competitive. Analysts suggest that Mr. Salmond may be attempting to destabilize the SNP, damage Ms. Sturgeon's legacy, and boost the Alba Party's electoral prospects. By forcing the issue back into the spotlight, he aims to draw attention to what he perceives as hypocrisy and dishonesty within the ruling party.

The implications of this escalating feud extend beyond the immediate political damage. The controversy could further erode public trust in politicians and institutions, particularly in Scotland, where the independence debate has often been characterized by intense partisanship. The public may become increasingly cynical about the motives of politicians and question the integrity of the political process. Furthermore, the focus on internal party disputes risks overshadowing more pressing issues, such as the cost of living crisis, healthcare challenges, and climate change.

Several legal experts have weighed in on the possibility of a parliamentary inquiry, noting that while it's not unprecedented, it would be a complex and potentially lengthy process. To initiate an inquiry, a formal request would need to be submitted to the relevant parliamentary committee, which would then have to decide whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a full investigation. The committee would have the power to subpoena witnesses, examine documents, and make recommendations for further action.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of this controversy. Whether a parliamentary inquiry is launched remains to be seen, but the accusations and counter-accusations are likely to continue, dominating the headlines and shaping the narrative of the general election. The already fractured Scottish political landscape is now facing a new level of turmoil, and the outcome could have significant consequences for the future of the nation.