Sturgeon in fiery final FM session

NICOLA Sturgeon clashed with Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross over SNP membership numbers in a final, fiery exchange at First Minister’s Questions.

During the fierce session, Mr Ross accused the first minister of “treating the public like idiots”, while Ms Sturgeon said the Conservatives cannot lecture anyone on integrity.

The presiding officer had to intervene several times to appeal for calm amid howls from the back benches.

With a new first minister due to be declared next week at the conclusion of the SNP leadership race, it was Ms Sturgeon’s final outing at the weekly bout.

Mr Ross raised the row over the SNP’s membership numbers, which saw Ms Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell quit as chief executive.

He said: “Why did Nicola Sturgeon’s party, the party of government in this parliament, lie to the press and the public?”

Ms Sturgeon said: “I’ve got nothing to add to what I have already said, except this: The SNP remains the only mass membership party in this country – more members than any other party in this chamber.”

She asked Mr Ross how many members the Scottish Conservatives have. Mr Ross said it is “absolutely clear” the SNP had lied to the press and the public, and declared: “She is treating the public like idiots.”

This prompted Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone to intervene and remind him of the rules. She said: “We do not use the word ‘lie’ in this chamber.”

Ms Sturgeon responded by referring to Boris Johnson’s appearance at a Westminster select committee investigating the Partygate affair.

She said: “If we are to have a proper interaction – I don’t think the Conservatives, given the events in the House of Commons, should be lecturing anyone on honesty and integrity.”

BOWING OUT: Nicola Sturgeon during her last appearance as Scotland’s first minister in Holyrood.