Civil war engulfs the SNP as leadership race turns toxic

For many years, it seemed like the SNP were immune from the normal rules of politics. Their unity was unshakeable, its leader unquestioned. Message discipline was rigid; disputes played out privately, away from the cameras. But all that has now crumbled following last month’s trans debacle and Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation. The race to replace her began just a week ago but already the debate has turned toxic, with all three candidates for First Minister today being embroiled in various spats and brawls.

The day began with SNP grandee Alex Neil attacking frontrunner Humza Yousaf on the front page of the Scottish Daily Mail, claiming that he asked for an excuse to skip the vote on gay marriage because he was ‘under so much pressure from the mosque.’ Next it was the turn of dark horse Ash Regan, who launched her leadership campaign by refusing to answer questions about her NDAs and then calling for Nicola Sturgeon’s husband to resign as the SNP chief executive.