Nicola Sturgeon is an asset NOT an embarrassment for SNP claims Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth

By TOM GORDON, SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 19:39, 12 August 2026 | Updated: 19:39, 12 August 2026 Nicola Sturgeon is still an ‘asset’ for the SNP and not an ‘embarrassment’ despite growing public mockery of her, the Deputy First Minister has insisted. Jenny Gilruth defended her old boss after her updated memoir triggered a wave of Nationalist infighting and stinging rebukes from former colleagues. JK Rowling called Ms Sturgeon ‘the blindest wife ever’ for claiming ignorance about her estranged husband Peter Murrell embezzling £400,000 from the party she led. Ex-SNP MP Joanna Cherry, KC, this week predicted the SNP would throw Ms Sturgeon ‘under the bus’ as she had become ‘an embarrassment to the party’. Asked if she agreed ahead of unveiling the Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland report, Ms Gilruth said: ‘No, I don’t think she’s an embarrassment to the SNP. She’s an asset to the SNP. ‘Nicola was the first ever female first minister. I think that was really important, actually, for women. But more generally, of course Nicola’s an asset to the party.’ Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth insists Nicola Sturgeon is still an 'asset' for the SNP Ms Sturgeon’s books criticised John Swinney’s Holyrood election campaign Tory MSP Meghan Gallacher said Ms Gilruth appeared ‘detached from reality’. She said: ‘Scots are still dealing with the toxic and divisive legacy of the former first minister. ‘Senior SNP figures are fighting like nats in a sack because of Sturgeon. ‘If the Deputy First Minister think that’s helpful to her party, then she is sorely mistaken.’ Ms Sturgeon’s books criticised John Swinney’s Holyrood election campaign as lacking in ‘vision and big-picture thinking’. Education secretary Màiri McAllan called it ‘nonsense’ and justice secretary Angela Constance pointedly called Mr Swinney ‘the best first minister yet’. Mr Swinney defended his campaign as ‘strong’ and successful – despite the SNP’s lowest vote count, vote share and MSP tally since 2007.