Nicola Sturgeon received a £25,000 payment for her work as a pundit on ITV’s live general election coverage, according to recent disclosures.
The former first minister documented this payment in the Scottish Parliament’s official Register of Interests, with the funds being transferred to her company, Nicola Sturgeon Ltd, by ITN.
On the night of July 4, Sturgeon was present in ITV’s London studio, providing analysis of Scotland’s election results as they were announced. The general election proved disastrous for the SNP, securing only nine constituencies, while Scottish Labour secured 37.
Additionally, Sturgeon declared £2,803.78 for accommodation expenses, with the entry noting: “The cost of car travel to and from the studio for rehearsals and the live programme was £329.15 (plus VAT).”
The cumulative total for fees and other expenses exceeded £28,000, reports the Daily Record.
Sturgeon’s appearance on the show drew criticism from allies of First Minister John Swinney, as she seemed to direct subtle jabs at the SNP campaign.
She expressed criticism regarding the lack of focus on independence and suggested it would be an “easy solution” for people to “take refuge in somehow it’s all my fault”.
The election was preceded by a wave of negative publicity surrounding her tenure as leader. Police are currently investigating allegations of embezzlement within the SNP, and her husband, former SNP CEO Peter Murrell, was charged in April.
Sturgeon was arrested and questioned by detectives last year, before being released without charge. One of the dozens of SNP MPs to lose their seats at the election later claimed Sturgeon owed them an apology.
Joanna Cherry was one of the few senior SNP politicians willing to openly criticise Scottish Government policy or the party’s strategy, particularly over controversial gender recognition reforms.
Not even Cherry’s bold approach could save her Edinburgh South West constituency as disenchanted voters turned away.
Cherry recounted post-election interactions, and said: “Many, many former constituents said to me on the doorstep ‘I would vote for you Joanna but I just can’t vote SNP this time’.
When queried if an apology was owed by the ex-first minister, Cherry responded firmly: “I think she does.”
She elaborated on Sturgeon’s leadership style, adding: “I don’t think you can ever blame a setback like this on one person, however, Nicola Sturgeon was a very strong leader who brooked no debate and no dissent, as I know to my considerable cost.”
Cherry concluded that there had been a “huge strategic failure” from Sturgeon in promoting independence and swaying sceptical voters.
