Nicola Sturgeon on sexism, Scottish independence and united Ireland

Former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon recalled advice from former U.S. first lady Hillary Clinton, saying women leaders are often expected to “carry the can for the behaviour of a man.” She described the advice as a reminder to keep fighting back against misogyny.

Sturgeon criticised UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s “very southern view” of northern identity, noted a past dispute over Covid‑19 regulations, and said his continued tenure could block a potential Nigel Farage‑led reform government. She also predicted that Scotland could become independent and that Ireland could be united within the next two decades.

She referenced the recent conviction of her estranged husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who was jailed for over five years after pleading guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. Sturgeon maintains she is innocent of any wrongdoing.