Former FM Nicola Sturgeon Receives £76,500 Book Advance Amid MSP Attendance Criticism

Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland, has been criticized for being a "part-time MSP" amid revelations she has earned significantly more from her book deal and other media engagements than from her parliamentary salary. Since stepping down from leadership, Sturgeon has received nearly £200,000 in outside earnings, including four advance payments totaling £300,000 from her memoir 'Frankly,' which is due for release in August. Holyrood records show her personal company received the second £76,500 payment for the book, alongside additional income from book reviews and a £25,000 pundit fee from ITN. Despite these earnings, Sturgeon has made few appearances in parliament and has been accused by Tory MSP Annie Wells of neglecting her constituents in Glasgow Southside while prioritizing her writing and promotional tours. Sturgeon maintains she remains active as an MSP, holding surgeries and engaging with constituents, and has described her memoir as an open and candid account of her political career and personal journey. The controversy highlights tensions over her role and commitments since leaving the highest office in Scotland.