Alex Salmond’s temper leaves staff in tears, new documentary reveals

A new BBC documentary reveals the explosive temper of Alex Salmond, which reportedly left staff in tears due to his outbursts. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described his behavior as 'out of control' and acknowledged that she and others in the SNP had learned to tolerate his unacceptable conduct prior to their government’s formation in 2007. The documentary highlights the deterioration of the relationship between Salmond and Sturgeon, particularly following harassment allegations against him, which led to a criminal trial where he was acquitted. The fallout from these allegations resulted in a lengthy inquiry into how the Scottish Government managed the complaints, with both Salmond and Sturgeon called to testify. Salmond accused high-ranking officials of conspiring against him, a claim Sturgeon dismissed as 'absurd.' Despite being cleared of breaching the ministerial code, Sturgeon faced significant turmoil during this period, grappling with the implications of Salmond's actions on her leadership. Former SNP minister Linda Fabiani recounted her emotional response to Salmond's temper, illustrating the impact of his behavior on colleagues. Salmond expressed regret over the breakdown of his relationship with Sturgeon but indicated that reconciliation seems unlikely. The inquiry's findings, which suggested bias in the handling of complaints, painted the Scottish Government as incompetent, further complicating the political landscape. The documentary sheds light on the personal and professional challenges faced by both leaders, revealing the complexities of their once-close relationship and the broader implications for the SNP and Scottish politics.