Nicola Sturgeon’s Revelations: A Look Inside Her New Memoir
Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland, has released her memoir, "Frankly," which delves deep into some of the most challenging experiences of her life. Scheduled for publication on Thursday, the book offers not only a glimpse into Sturgeon’s political journey but also her personal struggles, including "mental torture" from a police investigation and heart-wrenching moments from her past.
A Day of Distress: The Investigation
Sturgeon recounts the harrowing day of June 11, 2023—“the worst of my life”—when she was arrested and questioned by police regarding allegations linked to her ex-husband, Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP). After Murrell’s arrest and subsequent charges for embezzlement, police began probing into the disappearance of £660,000 from party accounts. The couple’s home was searched, thrusting Sturgeon into the spotlight of a high-profile investigation that many commentators have scrutinized.
In her memoir, Sturgeon reflects on the emotional toll of living under such scrutiny, stating that the experience was akin to being subjected to "mental torture." Her relationship with Murrell, once the cornerstone of her public image, became a source of profound anxiety and dread for her.
A Time for Reflection
During this turbulent period, Sturgeon sought solace in the serene landscapes of the northeast of Scotland, staying with a friend. "I spent hours looking out across the North Sea," she recalled. Initially overwhelmed by her circumstances, she found a strange comfort in the vastness of the sea, which seemingly mirrored the turmoil coursing through her life.
The days turned into months filled with uncertainty. The absence of updates exacerbated her feelings of dread until Murrell was re-arrested and charged in April 2024. Sturgeon expressed her faith in the justice system while also stating, "Being the subject of a high-profile criminal investigation for almost two years, especially having committed no crime, was like a form of mental torture."
On March 20, 2025, she finally received the news that no further action would be taken against her—a month after announcing her separation from Murrell.
Heartache and Resilience: A Miscarriage
Alongside her experiences during the investigation, Sturgeon’s memoir touches on a deeply personal subject: the miscarriage she suffered in 2010. This was a painful moment in her life that she faced with resilience. Following the loss, she felt compelled to return to work almost immediately, even attending a memorial event while still grappling with the "constant agony" of her grief.
In a poignant moment, Sturgeon shared that she delayed acknowledging her desire for motherhood until it was almost too late. "I had the presence of mind to call Peter into the bathroom and, together, we flushed our ‘baby’ down the toilet." This revealing moment underlines her emotional conflict about becoming a parent.
Confronting Rumors: Personal Matters
In addition to the investigation and her miscarriage, Sturgeon addresses the rumors surrounding her personal life. In particular, unsubstantiated claims of an affair with Catherine Colonna, the former French ambassador to the UK, have circulated. While these rumors were distressing, Sturgeon asserts, "Sexual relationships should be private matters." She emphasizes that her relationships with men have been significant throughout her lifetime, bringing complexity to the narrative surrounding her sexuality.
A Human Narrative
Through "Frankly," Nicola Sturgeon opens the door to her internal and external struggles, allowing readers to witness her resilience in the face of adversity. By sharing her story, she confronts the various facets of her life, from the oppressive weight of a criminal investigation to the heartbreak of personal loss, all while insisting on the importance of privacy in intimate relationships.
In a world rife with speculation and misinformation, Sturgeon’s narrative serves as a reminder that even public figures grapple with profound personal challenges and that behind every headline, there is a human story waiting to be told.
