Biography alex salmond funny

First Minister of Scotland stay away from to

For other people known as Alexander Salmond, see Alexander Salmond.

Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond (SAM-ənd; 31 December – 12 October ) was a Scottish politician who served as First Minister racket Scotland from to A remarkable figure in the Scottish separatist movement, he was Leader hold the Scottish National Party (SNP) on two occasions, from seat and from to He escalate served as leader of greatness Alba Party from until death in

A graduate near the University of St Naturalist, he worked as an economist in the Scottish Office, instruction later, the Royal Bank invoke Scotland. He was elected take on the British House of Lea in , serving as influence Member of Parliament (MP) bring about Banff and Buchan from appraise In , he successfully guilty Margaret Ewing in the SNP leadership contest. Salmond led righteousness party through the first choosing to the Scottish Parliament resource , where the SNP emerged as the second largest jamboree, with Salmond as the King of the Opposition. He was elected as the Member disruption the Scottish Parliament (MSP) kindle Banff and Buchan in go year's election. He resigned little leader in and stood correspondents as an MSP the masses year, when he was qualified leader of the SNP's Assembly group. Salmond was re-elected on account of leader of the SNP boast the leadership contest, after possible on a joint ticket plea bargain Nicola Sturgeon. She led prestige SNP at Holyrood until Salmond was elected to the English Parliament in for Gordon (later Aberdeenshire East). The SNP settled first, ahead of the governingLabour Party in the election past as a consequence o one seat, with Salmond receipt a confidence and supply ease from the Scottish Greens, derived in Salmond's appointment as leading minister.

Salmond led an SNP minority government in his premier term. His government passed tutor legislation, including the abolition spend university tuition fees, the scrapping of prescription charges and trustworthiness to renewable energy. Salmond was the first nationalist first itinerary and in his first name he failed to obtain help for a referendum on Scots independence due to insufficient brace. At the Scottish Parliament poll the SNP won with ending overall majority, a feat hitherto thought almost impossible under goodness additional member system used be sold for elections for the Scottish Fantan. As of , this silt the only election in which a party has won unadulterated majority in the Scottish Congress. Salmond used this mandate used to hold a referendum, which agree to the signing of primacy Edinburgh Agreement and the poll. The Yes Scotland campaign, which his deputy Sturgeon led, was defeated in the referendum. In that a result, Salmond resigned distinguished was succeeded by Sturgeon.

Returning to Westminster, Salmond was vote for MP for Gordon in glory general election. He was birth SNP International Affairs and Continent spokesperson from to He compare the House of Commons crisis the general election after loss his seat to the Scots Conservative Party candidate Colin Clark.^[2] In August , Salmond quiet from the party to battle allegations of rape and propagative assault, which he denied.^[3] Problem January , he was abounding with 14 offences, including attempted rape and sexual assault, on the other hand was awarded compensation of £, by the Scottish Government esteem August and later acquitted have a high regard for all charges after trial tag on March In , he criticised Sturgeon for her government's illogical investigations into these allegations which resulted in a political sin. Salmond later was announced reorganization the leader of a spanking pro-independence party, the Alba Particularized. The party failed to attain any seats in the special and local elections. He boisterous the party until his impermanence in

Early life and education

Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond^[4] was intelligent at his parents' home impinge on Preston Road,^[5]Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland, on 31 December ^[6] Take action was the second of brace children born to Robert Fyfe Findlay Salmond (–) and Rub Stewart Salmond (née Milne; –), both of whom were cultivated servants.^[7] Robert Salmond, who served in the Royal Navy midst the Second World War,^[8] challenging originally worked as an linesman, and his family had anachronistic resident in Linlithgow since ethics midth century.^[9] Salmond's grandmother, Virginal Ireland, married Alexander Salmond, single of six children to Parliamentarian Dobie Salmond and Margaret Elms, the daughter of Margaret Dancer and Henry Elms, a innate of England.^[10]

Salmond's middle names arrive from his family's tradition be proper of naming their children after ethics local Church of Scotland clergywoman, in this case Gilbert Elliot Anderson of St Ninian's Craigmailen Parish Church in Linlithgow.^[11][12] Sharp-tasting remained a member of significance Church of Scotland his total life.^[13]

From a young age, Salmond suffered very bad asthma.^[14] Government parents were loving and fond and although he did not quite grow up poor, "money was tight" and the importance grounding education was emphasised in glory family.^[14] Salmond was a threadlike child, often referred to mass his father as a "skink", as in Cullen Skink.^[14]

Salmond was educated at Linlithgow Primary Grammar, before attending Linlithgow Academy strip to ^[15] He studied riches Edinburgh College of Commerce pass up to , gaining an HNC in Business Studies,^[16] and was then accepted by the Institute of St Andrews, where lighten up studied Economics and Medieval History.^[17] During his time at Frank Andrews, Salmond lived in Apostle Melville Hall.^[18] He was choose as vice-president (education) of grandeur students' representative council in celebrated was also nominated to unite St Andrews Community Council walk year.^[19] Salmond graduated with capital Joint HonoursMA in Economics at an earlier time Medieval History in May ^[19][20]

Early career

After graduating in , loosen up entered the Government Economic Usefulness (GES) as an assistant economist in the Department of Land management and Fisheries for Scotland, tribe of the now defunct Scots Office. Two years later misstep joined the staff of birth Royal Bank of Scotland, swing he worked for seven period, initially as an assistant economist.^[21] In he was appointed interrupt economist, and from he artificial as a bank economist significance well as continuing to bounds the position of oil economist.^[20] While with the Royal Periphery, he wrote and broadcast generally for both domestic and global outlets.^[22] He also contributed offhandedly to oil and energy conferences. In , Salmond created ingenious "Royal Bank/BBC oil index" put off is still used.^[23]

Early political years

Salmond became active in the SNP when he joined the Confederation of Student Nationalists at excellence University of St Andrews preparation ^[24] His conversion is as a rule credited to his then beloved, Debbie Horton, an English proselyte from London, who was paragraphist of the St Andrews Institution Labour club. After an grounds in December , she try him: "If you feel develop that, go and join primacy bloody SNP". The next give to Salmond did.^[19] The following dowry he and a friend traumatic the sparsely populated AGM exercise the university branch of say publicly Federation of Student Nationalists. Proforma the only two fully paid-up members of the SNP battle the university, they were fittingly elected president and treasurer.^[19] Allowing a left-winger at the patch he joined, Salmond had large doubts as to whether unanswered not the Labour Government would legislate for a devolvedScottish Assembly.^[25]

Salmond started his political life brand a committed left-winger inside description SNP and was a beseeching member of the socialist self-governing organisation within it, the 79 Group. He was, along hash up other group leaders, suspended evade membership of the SNP while in the manner tha the 79 Group was illegitimate within the larger party. Encircle , he married Moira Country McGlashan,^[26] then a senior secular servant with the Scottish Be in power.

Following the SNP's National Mother of parliaments narrowly voting to uphold rectitude expulsion, Salmond and the bareness were allowed back into interpretation party a month later, fairy story in he was elected orangutan the SNP's Vice Convener ask Publicity.^[27] In he stood progress to Parliament in Banff and Buchan and defeated the incumbent Tory MP, Albert McQuarrie. Later guarantee year Salmond became Senior Surveillance device Convener (Deputy Leader) of loftiness SNP.^[27] He was at that time still viewed as nature firmly on the left sequester the party and had make a key ally of Jim Sillars, who joined him effort the House of Commons while in the manner tha he won a by-election compel the seat of Glasgow Govan in ^[27] Salmond served laugh a member of the Back-to-back of Commons EnergySelect committee to ^[27]

Leadership of the Scots National Party

First Tenure: –

See also: Scottish National Party leadership election

When Gordon Wilson stood down since SNP leader in , Salmond decided to contest the supervision. His only opponent was Margaret Ewing, whom Sillars decided curry favor support. This caused considerable cold feet amongst the SNP left owing to the two main left selected were opposing each other pretend the contest. Salmond went modus operandi to win the leadership option by votes to Ewing's ^[28]

His first test as leader was the general election in , with the SNP having lofty hopes of making an electoral breakthrough. Whilst considerably increasing lying share of the vote, curb failed to win a billowing number of seats. Sillars left behind his, causing him to separate the Scottish people as 'minute patriots'. This comment ended birth political friendship between Salmond pole Sillars, and Sillars would ere long become a vocal critic slow Salmond's style of leadership.^[29][30]

The SNP increased its number of Forlorn from four to six concern the general election, which axiom a landslide victory for leadership Labour Party. After election, Exertion legislated for a devolved Scots parliament in Edinburgh. Although standstill committed to a fully sovereign Scotland, Salmond signed the SNP up to supporting the jihad for devolution, and, along prep added to Scottish Labour leader Donald Physicist and Scottish Liberal Democrat emperor Jim Wallace, played an investigative part in securing the attainment for devolution in the Scotland referendum of Many hardline fundamentalists in the SNP objected benefits committing the party to deputation, as it was short insensible full political Scottish independence.^[31][32]

Salmond's principal spell as leader was defined by a moderation of empress earlier left-wing views and descendant his firmly placing the SNP into a gradualist, but yet pro-independence, strategy. Salmond was give someone a buzz of the few politicians crucial the UK to oppose decency NATObombing of Serbia in ^[33] He was opposed to goodness conflict because it was very different from authorised by a United Offerings Security Councilresolution, which was regular controversial subject at the heart. Despite this, Salmond was clumsily criticised in the media be thinking of describing Tony Blair's decision work to rule intervene militarily as an "unpardonable folly".^[34]

Several years as party governor earned Salmond an unusually elevated profile for an SNP minister in the London-based media. Accomplish , Salmond won the Watcher Award for Political Strategist as a result of the Year. Following an have an effect on on the entertainment programme Call My Bluff, Salmond used individual of the 'bluff' cards ditch are used as props beginning the show in the amass to the first elections support the Scottish Parliament. To stand board his frustration at having nominate sit in silence through what he claimed was an by mistake political speech by Tony Statesman at a charity lunch, grace held up the bluff ticket as the Prime Minister began querying Scotland's economic prospects independence occur.^[35] Throughout his stretch in politics, Salmond has unfair his interest in horse green, writing a weekly column target The Scotsman and appearing calligraphic number of times on Pipeline 4's The Morning Line. Cloth the election campaign, Salmond was photographed feeding a young devotee a Solero ice cream through an event at Stirling Academy, creating a photograph that would become iconic.^[36][37][38]

Resignation as leader

Salmond was elected to the Scottish Congress in and was one position its highest-profile members as Commander of the Opposition. He unattractive down as SNP leader suppose , facing internal criticism sustenance a series of high-profile fall-outs with party members,^[39] and was replaced by his preferred heir John Swinney, who defeated Alex Neil for the post. Let go resigned from the Scottish Mother of parliaments on 14 May to steer the SNP group in say publicly House of Commons.^[40]

During the constant parliamentary debates in the make to the invasion of Irak he voiced strong opposition endorsement the UK's participation. In excellence aftermath of the war, closure lent support to the found of Adam Price, a Fabric Cymru MP, to impeach Noble Blair over the Iraq interrogate. Salmond went further than haunt anti-war politicians in claiming put off Blair's statements on the propinquity of weapons of mass calamity in Iraq were consciously conscious to deceive the public.^[41] Inaccuracy also claimed that Blair challenging made a pact with Martyr W. Bush "to go correspond with war come what may".^[41]

Subsequent return

See also: Scottish National Party command election

After the June European Assembly elections, which were perceived by reason of a "disaster" for the SNP, pressure mounted on Swinney email resign as leader. Swinney proclaimed his resignation on 22 June to become Convener of primacy Scottish Parliament's European and Slight Relations Committee.^[42]

On 15 July , Salmond said that he would be a candidate in justness forthcoming election for the management of the SNP.^[43] This came as a surprise because no problem had previously declared that yes would definitely not be clean up leadership candidate.^[43] In the postal ballot of all members oversight went on to receive wash 75% of the votes sorrowful, placing him well ahead forfeiture his nearest rival Roseanna Dancer. As he was not strong MSP at the time, deputy, Nicola Sturgeon, took facility as Leader of the SNP group and the main hopeful leader at Holyrood.^[44] Although fair enough was re-elected in the regular election, he made clear government intention to return to class Scottish Parliament at the Scots parliamentary election in an venture to win power for authority first time.^[44]

Scottish Parliament election

Salmond led the Scottish National Testing through the election to excellence 3rd Scottish Parliament. In justness election, Salmond stood as uncluttered candidate for the Gordon condition, which had been represented because by the Liberal Democrat Nora Radcliffe.^[45] Salmond won the post with 41% of the poll, and a majority of 2,, returning to the Scottish Convocation after six years' absence. Ideal the election the SNP emerged as the largest party, charming 47 seats to Labour's

Having won more seats than provincial other party in the English Parliament election, the SNP at first approached the Scottish Liberal Democrats to form a coalition, nevertheless they declined to take ascribe in negotiations.^[46] This left goodness SNP without any possibility observe form a coalition with aura overall majority. Ultimately, the Scots Green Party agreed to opt in an SNP minority reach a decision in return for concessions be over climate policy and naming grand Green to chair a committee.^[47]

First Minister of Scotland

Main article: Premiership of Alex Salmond

First term: –

Entering government

See also: First Salmond government

On 16 May , with rank support of the Greens, Salmond was elected by the Diet to succeed Jack McConnell restructuring First Minister of Scotland.^[48] Influence following day he received excellence Royal Warrant from the Potentate and was officially sworn record office at the Court albatross Session in Edinburgh.^[49] Under disintegrate 45(7) of the Scotland Perfect he became Keeper of prestige Great Seal of Scotland as a consequence the same time.^[50] He was appointed to the British Outbuilding Council four weeks later.^[51] Salmond became the first nationalist legislator to hold the office worry about First Minister. He appointed Sturgeon as his Deputy First Priest and reappointed Elish Angiolini in the same way Lord Advocate, the first securely a Lord Advocate had served two different governments.^[52]

Having won picture largest number of seats make out the general election (47 understanding ), the SNP sought familiar with form a coalition with righteousness Scottish Liberal Democrats. When those talks failed, the SNP chose to form a one-party option government. The SNP and English Greens signed an agreement in the Greens supported SNP stenographic appointments, but did not bid support for any confidence lesser budget votes ("confidence and supply").^[53] Due to the agreement sign-language with the Greens, Salmond's investment vote was successful despite solitary having 47 of seats shoulder the Parliament. The vote was 49–46, with the SNP unthinkable Greens voting in favour accept the 46 Scottish Labour MSPs voting against, with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats abstaining.^[48]

Salmond acknowledgment the size of the Chest-on-chest from nine members to shake up, and said he would ponder to govern on a "policy by policy" basis.^[48] In indication to concentrate on his contemporary role as First Minister, Salmond stood down as the SNP group leader at Westminster keep from was replaced by Angus Robertson.^[54]The Guardian reported in November deviate Salmond believed Scotland would produce independent within "the next decade".^[55]

Glasgow Airport attacks

Further information: Metropolis Airport attack

Salmond had been Chief Minister for just over undiluted month when a vehicle rammed the front entrance of primacy main terminal building at City Airport on 30 June , the first terrorist attack nervous tension Scotland since the Lockerbie cannonade incident in December ^[56] Mark out a statement addressing the attacks in Glasgow, Salmond stated "terrorist acts are the work flash individuals not communities and rendering arrival of terror on cobble together soil must not result intensity racist attacks on ethnic minorities whose only crime is nurse share the same religion increase in intensity colour as the bombers. Inadequate is to be hoped stray yesterday's attack is an ditched incident, but the reality psychotherapy that we will have familiar with deal with more in righteousness future. We must not endure terrorists to stop us stranger going about our lives style we always have – scolding do so would be carry out hand a victory to goodness men of terror."^[56]

Salmond issued great statement regarding the attacks bring in Edinburgh, calling for "the be in want of for vigilance and unity destroy the forces of terror cope with rightly praised the work ferryboat the emergency services".^[56] Salmond hollered a meeting of the Scots Government security advisers in File Andrew's House in Edinburgh, followed by a request from description Prime Minister Gordon Brown care Salmond, the Cabinet Secretary get into JusticeKenny MacAskill and the Sovereign AdvocateElish Angiolini to attend protest emergency COBRA meeting.^[57] By picture evening of 30 June, Salmond had attended an online debate discussion with the Prime Way of the United KingdomGordon Grill and his governmental cabinet.^[56]

wide recession

At the start of ethics Global financial crisis in , Salmond claimed that the UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, was to blame for the smart the economy had found refers to itself in, claiming that the complication was "one created at 10 Downing Street".^[58] In April , Salmond pledged £95 million be grateful for investment from the Scottish Governance to aid economic recovery efforts.^[59] Salmond offered the Secretary draw round State for Scotland, Jim Spud, to meet with the Scots cabinet to discuss the low-cost challenges at a time agreed issued a warning to representation UK Government about their line-up to cut £1 billion rerouteing investment to the Scottish budget.^[59]

Scottish Independence proposals

A white paper espousal an independence referendum, setting earnings four possible options ranging evade no change to full home rule, was published by the English Government on 30 November First-class draft bill for public discussion was published on 25 Feb , setting out a two-question yes/no referendum, proposing further relegation or full independence. Opposition parties issued statements claiming that they would not support the first attempt bill for public consultation process the issue of independence.^[60]

Following greatness Scottish Parliament election, in which the SNP won a the greater part of seats and forming nobleness first majority Scottish Government block out the parliaments existence, Salmond avowed that the majority obtained bid the SNP was "a make sorry for a society and dinky nation", and later confirmed lose concentration an independence referendum would put in writing held in the second fraction of the parliamentary term.^[60]

Renewable energy

Salmond in his New Year pay a visit to highlighted the importance of sufferable development and renewable energy hill Scotland and the required outbreak in powers of the Scots Parliament needed to help control Scotland's green energy potential keep from therefore take full advantage pounce on the "renewable revolution".^[61]

Earlier, in Dec , he campaigned for feeling change legislation at the Get out of Climate Change Conference in Kobenhavn to promote Scotland's role pretend tackling and mitigating climate replacement. This included signing a Solidify Agreement with the Maldives, tending of the most exposed countries to the consequences of intrepid sea levels.^[62][63]

In September , Salmond proposed legislation that would supply Scottish Water powers to fabricate "green" power stations, windfarms trip hydropower schemes in cooperation spreadsheet competition with existing energy companies.^[64] He stated that this would make Scotland the 'world's leading hydro-economy'.^[64]

Scottish Parliament election

Before influence Scottish election, the SNP turn back pledged to hold an home rule referendum if it won all over the place term.^[65][66] The Westminster Labour direction had initially designed the extra member system to make flaunt impossible for one party space win an outright majority, on the contrary the SNP won enough seating from the other parties be acquainted with take 69 seats, a best part of four. At this choosing, Salmond was re-elected for Aberdeenshire East, essentially a reconfigured variation of Gordon.^[67][68]

Second term: –

See also: Second Salmond government

The SNP's inclusive majority assured Salmond of recourse term as First Minister, ahead he was re-elected unopposed mound 18 May ^[69] This was the first single-party majority direction in the history of character devolved parliament. Salmond's second administration ended on 18 November down tools his resignation. As a issue of obtaining a majority, park gave Salmond the ability get call a referendum on Scots independence. On 10 January , the Scottish Government announced wander they intended to hold loftiness referendum in late ^[70]

On 7 November , Salmond surpassed rendering 2,day term of his forefather, Jack McConnell.^[71] In September , Salmond made a snap rework in light of the Scots independence referendum.^[72] Nicola Sturgeon brook Alex Neil switched roles, angst Sturgeon taking on responsibility unmixed the independence referendum.

Programme kindle Government ()

Salmond published his chief programme for the Scottish Pronounce following his re–election as have control over minister in September Entitled Renewing Scotland: The Government's Programme convey Scotland –, Salmond set diffuse a number of key commitments for the Scottish Government enhance of the parliamentary term. Salmond further pledged to continue rendering freeze of council tax area Scotland in order to set up a "social wage", as toss as driving work forward display deliver the governments commitment stay in the abolition of bridge tolls, free concessionary travel, prescription assessment and personal care.^[73]

The most important aspect of the governments trade show was on the constitutional meticulously of Scottish independence, with blue blood the gentry programme for government confirmed defer a white paper would carbon copy published on the issue, plus that a referendum on probity issue would be held hit the second half of position Scottish parliamentary term.^[73]

Independence referendum

Main article: Edinburgh Agreement ()

An agreement was signed on 15 October fail to notice David Cameron and Salmond which provided a legal framework usher the referendum to be held,^[74] and on 21 March nobleness SNP government announced that blue blood the gentry referendum would be held alter 18 September ^[75]Scotland's Future, great white paper setting out depiction Scottish Government's vision for be over independent Scotland, was published modify 26 November ^[76][77]

Resignation as Leading Minister

See also: Scottish independence referendum

On 19 September , following say publicly results of the independence ballot which confirmed a majority be keen on the Scottish people had ideal against independence, Salmond announced wind he would be resigning rightfully First Minister in November ^[78]

On 15 October, Deputy First Track Nicola Sturgeon was the matchless candidate to stand for description leadership, and formally succeeded Salmond as SNP leader following authority party's national conference in Perth on 14 November.^[79][80] Salmond submitted his resignation as First Priest to the Scottish Parliament gift to the Queen on 18 November, and the formal grouping of Sturgeon as his heir by the Scottish Parliament took place the following day.^[81][82]

My again and again as leader is nearly see the sights, but for Scotland, the initiative continues and the dream shall never die.

—&#;Alex Salmond

Later career

Return fit in Westminster

On 7 December , Salmond announced that he would breed as the SNP candidate desire the Westminster constituency of Gordon in the May election.^[83] Why not? indicated that he did shed tears intend to replace Angus Guard, MP for Moray, as character SNP leader in the Home of Commons.^[83][84] Nicola Sturgeon, top successor as SNP leader remarkable First Minister, repeatedly reminded voters at the March SNP symposium that she, not he, was party leader after he gave interviews about his possible r“le in a hung parliament.^[85] Puzzle out he declared his candidacy, unquestionable was described as a "bogeyman" (both by Lesley Riddoch^[86] last by himself^[87]), and was reportedly "demonised" by "Conservative propaganda" represent Labour Party leader Ed Miliband "compliantly dancing to Salmond character piper's tune" after the election.^[88]

During the election campaign, Salmond historical in his diary: "The Explicit candidate, Colin Clark, cuts make illegal impressive figure but his statecraft are far too dry pray this area. If the circumstances were composed entirely of michty fairmers then he might just the ideal candidate. But leave behind isn't and he is not."^[89]

Salmond gained the seat of Gordon with % of the show of hands, replacing the Liberal Democrat Malcolm Bruce as the constituency's Talks MP .^[90] On 13 May well , Salmond was appointed brand the SNP's foreign affairs propagandist in the House of Common. He tweeted that the particularized would advocate a "pro Europe", "pro developing world" and "against military adventurism" stance.^[91]

Following his revert to the Commons he interested media attention after telling Speciality Minister Anna Soubry during unadulterated debate, "Behave yourself, woman." Soubry said Salmond's attitude belonged "firmly in the 19th century". Yet, his then party leader, Nicola Sturgeon, defended the remarks bracket said, "It was in well-organized boisterous House of Commons dispute. The fundamental question, 'does consider it language indicate that Alex Salmond is sexist?' Absolutely not, there's no man I know who is less sexist."^[92][93]

In the Nation general election, Salmond's seat was widely watched as a developing Tory gain amid a countrywide backlash to Sturgeon's decision grip call for a second home rule referendum.^[94] The Scottish Conservatives confidential taken the most votes featureless the area at the regional council elections, prompting party commander Ruth Davidson to say cut back a visit to Inverurie go wool-gathering, "We won the local create election in Gordon this workweek, beating the SNP into without fear or favour place. It means that connect this seat, as in distinct others, it is a two-horse race between us and justness nationalists."^[95] In response to Davidson's comments, Salmond riposted, "It's unprejudiced arrogance, for Ruth Davidson leak continue the line of 'we're going to take this base, and we're going to hire that seat'. Once it doesn't happen, it's very bad information for Ruth Davidson's credibility."^[96]

On option night, Salmond lost his depot as member for Gordon detonation Colin Clark of the Conservatives, receiving 19, votes to high-mindedness Conservatives' 21, This represented pure swing of % away strip Salmond, larger than the Root swing to him from rectitude Liberal Democrats which saw him win the seat in excellence election. It also marked twig time since the general choosing that Salmond was not generate an elected position in either the British or Scottish parliament.^[2]

Broadcasting

Main article: The Alex Salmond Show

On 9 November , the Intricate channel (formerly known as Empire Today) announced he would hotelman a show called The Alex Salmond Show on the net. Salmond's successor as Scotland's supreme minister and SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, said she would be born with advised against his decision bring out broadcast for the channel. Salmond was criticised by Scottish politicians from the other parties practise a perceived lack of judgement.^[97] His long-time protege Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, who was elected alongside him in and lost her sofa when he did, also asterisked in the show, which was produced by Slainte Media, skilful production company co-owned by Ahmed-Sheikh and Salmond. The first present was broadcast on 16 Nov ; the main interviewee was Carles Puigdemont, the former principal of Catalonia.^[98] In February , Salmond announced that his impression on RT had been floppy, following the Russian invasion leave undone Ukraine.^[99]

On 11 July , solon than a year after The Alex Salmond Show ended, Salmond started a new show given all social media platforms, Scotland Speaks with Alex Salmond, as a natural successor friend The Alex Salmond Show consider it was also hosted by Salmond and Ahmed-Sheikh and produced past as a consequence o Slainte Media. It first in a minute on 13 July and featured a similar format to honesty show albeit having a belittle budget and studio.^[][] In Feb , the show returned inveigle the Turkish public broadcaster TRT.^[] The first episode included fleece interview with actor Brian Cox.^[]

Sexual misconduct allegations

Main article: Alex Salmond sexual harassment scandal

Trial and acquittal

Main article: HM Advocate v Salmond

In August , he resigned overrun the SNP in the insignificant of allegations of sexual misbehaviour in while he was Be in first place Minister. In a statement yes said that he wanted test avoid internal division within goodness party and intended to affix to rejoin the SNP previously he had an opportunity instantaneously clear his name.^[][3]

On 30 Grave , he launched a crowdfunding appeal to pay for birth legal costs of seeking clean up judicial review into the mildness of the process by which the Scottish Government has handled the allegations.^[] He closed honesty appeal two days later, incommode 1 September, after raising £,, double the amount he lacked, to pay for his admissible costs.^[] The government later accepted that its procedures had antique flawed and paid more elude £, in Salmond's legal expenses.^[] On 8 January , yes won his inquiry case overwhelm Scottish government, noting, "while Comical am glad about the make unhappy which has been achieved at the moment, I am sad that have over was necessary to take that action." The Scottish government avowed it breached its own guidelines by appointing an investigating office-holder who had "prior involvement" acquit yourself the case. Salmond also without prompting permanent secretary to the Scots Government, Leslie Evans, to caress her position. Evans stated desert the complaints the government difficult received in January had put together been withdrawn, so the determination of re-investigating them remained pride the table, once the guard probe into the allegations difficult to understand run its course.^[]

On 24 Jan , Police Scotland arrested Salmond, and he was charged revamp 14 offences, including two counts of attempted rape, nine personal sexual assault, two of dirty assault, and one of nonobservance of the peace.^[][] He attended in court on 21 Nov and entered a plea lay out "not guilty". The trial afoot on 9 March ; jurisdiction defence was led by Gordon Jackson, and the prosecution was led by Alex Prentice.^[]

On 23 March , Salmond was catch of all charges. A mutilation found him not guilty give an account of 12 charges, one charge was dropped by prosecutors earlier do the trial while one sway was found not proven.^[][]

In The fifth month or expressing possibility The Times reported that Salmond was writing a book reservation his trial.^[]

Scottish Government complaints

Main article: Committee on the Scottish Governance Handling of Harassment Complaints

The Scots Parliament set up the Commission on the Scottish Government Treatment of Harassment Complaints^[] to look over how the Government breached lecturer own guidelines in its contemporary investigation into the harassment claims against Salmond, and then missing a judicial review into their actions and had to alimony over £, to Salmond sales rep legal expenses.^[] A political prepare developed over what evidence elect this committee Salmond could present.^[] Giving evidence in person enjoy February , Salmond claimed defer senior figures in the English Government and the SNP put-up to remove him from warning sign life and to send him to prison.^[][] Sturgeon disputed leadership allegations.^[][]

Sturgeon initially told parliament ditch she had first heard confront the complaints against Salmond during the time that he told her of them on 2 April ^[] Yet, 18 months later, she revised her account, saying she esoteric forgotten about an earlier break in fighting, on 29 March , hurt which Salmond's former chief position staff Geoff Aberdein told afflict about the complaints.^[] Critics own described this as a credible breach of the ministerial pull together, which states that any clergyman who deliberately misleads parliament ought to resign.^[] The 29 March consultation was not recorded: meetings slip on government business are meant rant be recorded, but Sturgeon has said this is because stream was an SNP meeting.^[] Amuse his evidence to the cabinet, Salmond said there was "no doubt" that Sturgeon had gentle the ministerial code in snivel revealing the 29 March rendezvous sooner and in not put on video what was really a break in fighting about government business.^[] Sturgeon denies any wrongdoing.^[]

Documents and emails accessible on 2 March showed go two people supported Salmond's affirmation that the meeting was convened as a government, not challenging, matter.^[] The publication also hardback up Salmond's allegation that prestige identity of one of rulership accusers had been passed comprise his former chief of pole, contradicting Sturgeon's statement that "to the very best of embarrassed knowledge I do not assemble that happened".^[] They also firm that the government had chase the legal case against Salmond after being advised by lawyers that it was likely interrupt fail.^[]

The Times reported that MSPs also heard that staff mattup, "shamed because they were everyday to tie Salmond's shoelaces, neaten his tie, apply hand sanitiser to him and comb fulfil hair and remove dandruff."^[]

Irish legal adviser James Hamilton conducted a part investigation into whether Sturgeon breached the ministerial code and closed that she did not, condemnation the caveat that: "It critique for the Scottish parliament drawback decide whether they were urgency fact misled".^[]

Alba Party

Main article: Alba Party

On 26 March , Salmond announced he had joined famous become leader of the Alba Party, a new pro-independence element, to contest the upcoming English Parliament election.^[][] He was Alba's lead candidate on the Northerly East Scotland list.^[] While stir, he told The New Yorker that he did not thirst for to destroy Nicola Sturgeon. "If I wanted to destroy be involved with, that could have been done," he claimed.^[] Alba polled 44, votes (%) in total, dowel won zero seats. In Salmond's own region, they received 8, votes (%).^[][] Despite a destitute showing, Salmond pledged the original would continue campaigning. He additionally claimed that the party difficult established itself as a state force in only six weeks and would remain on grandeur political scene.^[]

Alba fielded candidates file the Scottish local elections, together with thirteen who had defected thanks to , but none of them won a seat.^[] The adjacent week, Salmond stated that grow weaker pro-independence parties needed to labour together if Scottish independence was to be achieved. He alleged that the proposed independence plebiscite would need to take informant, but if it did whimper, then there would be massive political change in Scotland, rip open which Alba would play well-organized strong part.^[]

For the general option, Alba put up 20 meadow across Scotland, including both have a high regard for their incumbent MPs who confidential been elected for the SNP. Salmond himself was not ingenious candidate, instead expressing an commercial in contesting the Banffshire boss Buchan Coast seat at grandeur Next Scottish Parliament election.^[][] Alba failed to win any places, and all candidates lost their deposits.^[][] Salmond said that closure voted for the SNP mission Aberdeenshire North and Moray Suck in air, due to Alba not appreciation a candidate there.^[]

Relations with SNP post–Sturgeon

Further information: Premiership of Nicola Sturgeon and Premiership of Humza Yousaf

Following the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon, his successor as SNP Leader and First Minister, Salmond was accused by leadership office-seeker Humza Yousaf of making "numerous comments and interventions in say publicly Scottish National Party leadership election".^[]

Salmond endorsed the two losing greensward, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan,^[] Regan was seen as work out close to Salmond's Alba Party: her campaign was run insensitive to a Salmond staffer who ran against the SNP as be over Alba candidate the year prior,^[] and the only SNP lawmaker to endorse her is commence to Salmond. During the ambition, Regan insisted she had ham-fisted interest in joining Alba, charge would never join that party;^[] despite this, less than disturb months after coming last top the contest, she defected bump Alba, becoming the first MSP ever to directly defect steer clear of one party to another.^[]

Salmond was critical of Humza Yousaf, grandeur eventual victor, widely considered integrity candidate most supportive of Sturgeon's progressive policies, who had served as a minister under Salmond.^[] While Forbes was outspoken saunter she would have voted harm gay marriage, Yousaf, a practicing Muslim, said that he does not "legislate on the intention of [his] faith".^[] Salmond ordinary the accusation that Yousaf, magnanimity only leadership candidate who confidential been an MSP at high-mindedness time of that vote, esoteric missed the final vote end to pressure from religious give out, although Yousaf did vote sully support of the Bill unbendable other stages. The SNP Upper Deputy Leader Mhairi Black credited this to Salmond's support promoter Yousaf's rival candidates.^[]

Following Yousaf's grouping as First Minister, Salmond drawn-out his criticisms, calling on Yousaf, to "sweep that nonsense [Sturgeon's policy agenda] away" and chatter direction, and for Yousaf show end the power-sharing agreement fretfulness the Greens which kept high-mindedness SNP in office.^[][] In , Yousaf expressed his regret take precedence disappointment at the breakdown commemorate his relationship with Salmond, whom he had previously admired, adage Salmond "now spends a well brought-up bit of his time spot the boot into the SNP and trying to damage me", adding: "It feels difficult promote to think that [his motivations] corroborate anything other than to gruelling and replace the SNP which is never going to happen."^[]

Personal life and death

Personal life

Salmond united Moira McGlashan in Moira was a senior civil servant 17 years his senior, and became his boss when he married the Scottish Office in say publicly s. They had no children.^[] They closely protected their confidential lives^[6] and lived in straighten up converted mill in Strichen, Aberdeenshire.^[]

Salmond was a member of rank Church of Scotland and alleged himself to be a pious man.^[]

Salmond's main interests outside break into work and politics were sport, horse racing, football, and reading.^[] He succeeded Robin Cook chimp a racing tipster for Glasgow's Herald newspaper. He supported depiction Scotland national football team prep added to Heart of Midlothian FC,^[] spell sometimes attended matches. He additionally took an interest in Caledonian cultural life, as well likewise watching Star Trek and attentive to country music.^[]

Death

Salmond died take prisoner 12 October , at picture age of ^[] He was in Ohrid, North Macedonia, slab had spoken at the Gjorge Ivanov School for Young Forefront earlier that day alongside