Thorn in side of first minister

After an embarrassing public mauling in Holyrood over the Alex Salmond probe, Nicola Sturgeon bowed to what had become inevitable and placed her own role in the matter under independent review. It was bad enough being blamed over the “shambles” of the Scottish Government mishandling of sexual conduct claims against Mr Salmond. The crisis worsened when Ms Sturgeon was portrayed as indulging in improper clandestine meetings and phone calls with Mr Salmond – in alleged contravention of conduct rules covering such government investigations. We must not forget that an official police investigation is still under way into the specific allegations against Mr Salmond, but this procedural row will dominate for the time being. It will be an unpleasant thorn in her side as she goes forward into a potential IndyRef2 battle depending on the Brexit outcome. But she might be leading a divided party after a spectacular falling out between former mentor and protege.