Salmond hints at possible return to the political stage
ALEX Salmond has revealed he will consider a return to frontline politics as he says things often change ‘unexpectedly and very quickly’.
The former First Minister has refused to rule out returning to either Westminster or Holyrood and insisted that he would see ‘how the wheel turns’.
Mr Salmond is preparing to star in his own stage show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which will be produced by his fellow former Nationalist MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh.
The show, Alex Salmond Unleashed, will include music, comedy, ‘light-hearted banter’ and a number of surprise celebrity guests who will be interviewed by the former SNP leader.
However, despite dipping his toe into the world of showbiz, Mr Salmond has indicated that he could be set for a return to frontline politics.
Mr Salmond’s comments come just a day after the Scottish Daily Mail revealed that he and Mrs Ahmed- Sheikh are still receiving taxpayers’ cash to represent the UK Parliament in Europe.
The pair have been attending meetings in Strasbourg, with taxpayers footing a bill of up to £3,000 every time they fly out to attend European Parliamentary Assembly meetings.
Mr Salmond lost his Westminster seat in last month’s General Election, alongside another 20 Nationalist MPs following a surge in the pro-Union vote in Scotland.
Mr Salmond resigned as First Minister in 2014 after his defeat in the Scottish independence referendum, with 55 per cent of Scots voting against his bid for separation. He then stood as an MP in the 2015 General Election, winning the Gordon seat. However, he lost this last month in a humbling defeat to the Tories.
But, speaking this week, Mr Salmond said: ‘I’ve not given up on politics. I have got a lifelong belief in Scottish independence and we’ll see how the wheel turns on that one. But, in the meantime I think after 30 years have amassed I’m entitled to a bit of fun.’
Asked if he could see a return to either Westminster or Holyrood in his future, if the opportunity of another election or by-election were to arise, Mr Salmond said: ‘I may well be back.’
He added: ‘After 30 years in this profession I know that the wheel turns, and can turn sometimes unexpectedly and very quickly.
‘As I said on election night, I suggested that the false Whigs should pause in their glee because they have not seen the last of my bonnet and me.’
But, last night Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser questioned whether Mr Salmond would be welcomed back into the frontline of the SNP.
He said: ‘Alex Salmond found out just how fast the wheels can turn, going from First Minister to Fringe act in three short years.
‘But just when Nicola Sturgeon thought she’d got rid of for good, he’s now threatening a comeback.
‘This will undermine her position and will be interpreted very much as a threat to her leadership.’
Mr Salmond’s Fringe show will run for 15 days in August at the Edinburgh Assembly Rooms. Tickets cost £17.50 to £22.50 – making it more expensive than some top comedians’ shows.
During a television interview Mr Salmond acknowledged the ticket price, adding: ‘The show is worth it.’
‘I have not given up on politics’ ‘I may well be back’