Yesterday I was interviewed by Steph Brawn (The National). We discussed the public reaction to former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s interview on the BBC Laura Kuenssberg show. Many online commenters have questioned her claims that she was completely unaware of estranged husband Peter Murrell’s embezzlement of SNP party funds.

The article features some excellent insight from University of Strathclyde media expert Michael Higgins. Some excerpts from my contribution are below:

“I think if a politician comes out and says ‘yes I did it’ or apologises they are viewed as weak and it’s a reflection of how partisan politics has become, particularly with people calling things online,”

“They are quick to judge, and since Nicola Sturgeon stood down I think there are probably a lot of people who are critical of her and this is another weapon to beat her with, so I don’t think there’s anything she could say that was not going to meet a certain response”

“Of course, there are people who are very pro-Nicola Sturgeon defending her online and that reflects the fact that people are in these separate camps and they’re not likely to change their mind as a result of the revelations.”

Many thanks to Steph for the interview. It can be read in full here.