Break-Up: How Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon Went to War

by David Clegg, Kieran Andrews

Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon’s political partnership changed the face of Scotland, bringing the country to within 200,000 votes of independence and holding sway at Holyrood for more than a decade. So how and why has their thirty-year alliance irretrievably broken down?

Break-Up tells the inside story of how the once unbreakable unity of the Scottish National Party was ripped apart amid shocking claims of sexual assault. With unrivalled access to both camps and the women who made the allegations, and with rigorously fair-minded reporting, journalists David Clegg and Kieran Andrews go behind the headlines to uncover the truth about this extraordinary episode, in a piece of political history that reads like a thriller.

Now fully updated, this is a jaw-dropping tale of inappropriate behaviour in the highest reaches of power, of lies, distrust and alleged conspiracy, with profound implications not only for Salmond and Sturgeon themselves but for Scotland’s governing party and the wider independence campaign.

Genres: Politics

365 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2021

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a lot of this wasn't new information, it was good to read such a forensic examination from two of Scotland's finest political journalists. I'm angry about it all over again....

[Simon Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though much of the facts on which this book was based were already in the public domain, it's presented in an engaging way that helps the reader make sense of the long and bitter period in Scotland's Parliament. Though you couldn't describe this as neutral, the authors make an effort to be balanced. Read it for a consolidated summary of a dramatic period, but don't expect to learn much new.

[MS D COUPER · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dull and biased

It had nothing new to say, it was very biased against Salmond. But reading it does bring home how utterly ridiculous the charges were. All that effort expended for absolutely nothing.
A man that was party leader and first minister for decades and the only thing they have on him is one cuddle!!
They state things happen then say he was found not guilty because for example Ms H wasn’t actually at the meal.
If you want to know the truth read Wings Over Scotland or talk to Kenny McAskill

[Paul Renwick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book to find out more about the breakdown in the relationship between Salmond and Sturgeon. Although the book was impeccably written a lot of the detail was reported in the media at the time so I didn’t feel I learned a great deal of new information.

What it did confirm to me is how flawed the Scottish Government’s system was for making complaints against senior politicians. Hopefully this book and subsequent reports will create a new complaints systems that will better protect the victims of harrassment and bullying.

[Jim JOHNSTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

This is a horror story that shows how people in power disregard the interests of those they should support in the interests of personal power and the greater cause. This book opens a question about Scottish Nationalism, not should Scotland have the right to choose, but if it does choose to separate from the UK, does the talent and attitudes exist to make that move a success? Reading this, the answer is a firm ‘NO’

[Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tough but necessary read.

[Anne Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

nothing I didn’t know

Just a joining together of everything that was in the newspapers - nothing to see here. A bit one sided

[J. Kydd · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written

A fast paced factual book which was interesting and engaging. Highly recommend to anyone interested in politics and the abuse of power.

[Lilith · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best political non-fiction books I’ve read. Even more impressive on second reading.