Connect with us

Published

on

The upcoming departure of Nicola Sturgeon as first minister and the resignation of her husband Peter Murrell as SNP chief executive marks the end of an era.

The couple have been at the helm of the party for almost a decade.

Ms Sturgeon, who became SNP leader and first minister in 2014, resigned last month.

The SNP leadership race has now led to the dramatic resignation of her husband, who had been the party’s chief executive since 1999.

Here, we chart the timeline of events that have led to the power couple stepping down from their reign.

27 October 2022: Community safety minister Ash Regan quits the Scottish government shortly before MSPs begin debating the first stage of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, which would make it easier for trans people to obtain a gender recognition certificate. A total of seven SNP MSPs break the whip to vote against the controversial bill.

23 November 2022: The UK Supreme Court rules that the Scottish parliament does not have the power to legislate for indyref2 without Westminster approval. Ms Sturgeon vows to use the next general election as a “de facto referendum” on independence and announces that a special SNP conference will be held in the new year to discuss and agree plans.

December 2022: Polling at the end of the year shows a small majority – excluding don’t knows – in support of independence. Ms Sturgeon also remains the leader with the highest satisfaction rating across the UK, scoring 52%. In comparison, Rishi Sunak receives a negative net satisfaction rating among Scots, with 53% dissatisfied with the prime minister’s performance.

17 January 2023: The UK government uses section 35 of the Scotland Act to block the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from receiving royal assent.

22 January 2023: Following the resignation of New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, Ms Sturgeon says she is “nowhere near” ready to quit as Scotland’s first minister and still has “plenty in the tank”.

Isla Bryson, 31, formerly known as Adam Graham, from Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, arrives at the High Court in Glasgow. Following a six-day trial at the High Court a jury has found the transgender woman guilty of raping two women when she was a man: one in Clydebank in 2016 and one in Drumchapel, Glasgow, in 2019. Picture date: Monday January 23, 2023. See PA story COURTS Bryson. Photo credit should read: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
Image:
Isla Bryson was jailed for eight years for raping two women

24 January 2023: Transgender woman Isla Bryson is found guilty of raping two women. The attacks occurred prior to Bryson’s transition from when they were known as Adam Graham. Within days, the argument surrounding the GRR bill explodes after it is discovered that Bryson is being housed within Scotland’s only all-female jail ahead of sentencing. Following a public outcry, Bryson is moved from Cornton Vale to the male estate.

12 February 2023: The Sunday Mail reports that up to 30,000 members have quit the SNP in response to the party’s gender reforms and the stalling of independence. The SNP claims the report is “both malicious and wholly inaccurate”, adding: “Fortunately, few people are gullible enough to believe it.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

A lookback at Ms Sturgeon’s career

15 February 2023: Ms Sturgeon announces she will stand down as SNP leader and first minister. She says: “In my head and in my heart, I know that time is now.”

(left to right) Ash Regan, Kate Forbes and Humza Yousaf taking part in the SNP leadership hustings at Eden Court, Inverness. Picture date: Saturday March 4, 2023.
Image:
Ash Regan, Kate Forbes and Humza Yousaf are in the running to replace Ms Sturgeon as first minister

24 February 2023: Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and former community safety minister Ash Regan are confirmed as the three candidates in the running to replace Ms Sturgeon as first minister and SNP leader.

28 February 2023: Transgender double rapist Isla Bryson is jailed for eight years.

Read more:
Sturgeon ‘has not heard from police’ over probe into SNP finances

SNP has lost around 30,000 party members since 2021
Does hunger for independence remain in Scotland’s ‘Yes’ towns and cities?

In Full: Watch the SNP Leadership Debate

Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts

12 March 2023: Concerns are once again raised over the exact size of the SNP membership after the Mail on Sunday reports only 78,000 online forms are being sent out for the leadership vote.

15 March 2023: Ms Regan, Ms Forbes and Mr Yousaf pile pressure on the SNP to be more transparent over the ballot process. Ms Regan and Ms Forbes join forces to write an open letter to SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who is also Ms Sturgeon’s husband. The trio call for the party to reveal the number of paid-up members, as well as the number of digital voting documents and postal voting papers issued.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney during his speech at the SNP conference at The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) in Aberdeen , Scotland. Picture date: Sunday October 9, 2022.
Image:
The SNP conference in Aberdeen last October

16 March 2023: Following pressure, the SNP finally reveal that just 72,186 members are eligible to vote in the party leadership contest – a drop of around 30,000 members since 2021.

17 March 2023: Liz Lloyd, Ms Sturgeon’s strategic adviser and long-time chief of staff, announces she will leave the Scottish government when the first minister does. Murray Foote, the SNP’s head of communications, also announces his resignation. Mr Foote, who initially described the Sunday Mail’s story as “drivel”, claims he acted in “good faith” when issuing agreed party responses to media enquiries regarding membership numbers.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon with husband Peter Murrell as they cast their votes in the 2019 General Election at Broomhouse Park Community Hall in Glasgow.
Image:
Ms Sturgeon told Sky News it was ‘right’ that Mr Murrell stepped down

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ms Sturgeon speaks to Sky News after her husband announced his resignation as SNP chief executive

18 March 2023: Peter Murrell resigns with immediate effect as the SNP’s chief executive. Reports suggest members of the SNP’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) threatened a vote of no confidence. Shouldering the blame for the party’s responses to the media over membership numbers, Mr Murrell accepts: “While there was no intent to mislead, I accept that this has been the outcome.” In response, Ms Sturgeon, tells Sky News that her husband intended to step down but “was right” to announce his immediate resignation.

Nicola Sturgeon and Beth Rigby
Image:
Ms Sturgeon spoke with Sky News’ Beth Rigby on Monday

20 March 2023: Ms Sturgeon tells Sky News that she has not heard whether police want to interview her or her husband as part of a long-running probe into SNP finances. Police Scotland and the Crown Office are currently investigating how £600,000 raised by the SNP for independence campaigning has been spent. In a Beth Rigby interview due to air at 9pm on Sky News on Monday, Ms Sturgeon responded: “No. I wouldn’t comment on any ongoing police investigation and I am not going to comment on this one.”

Continue Reading

UK

Car spotted leaving Royal Lodge as Andrew faces growing pressure over Epstein links

Published

on

By

Car spotted leaving Royal Lodge as Andrew faces growing pressure over Epstein links

A Land Rover was spotted leaving Royal Lodge – the home of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – on Saturday morning, as more US politicians call for him to testify before a congressional committee.

Emails released on Friday in unsealed court documents shed new light on Andrew’s correspondence with Epstein.

Months after the paedophile financier was released from prison in 2009 for prostituting minors, Andrew wrote that it would be “good to catch up in person”.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Will Andrew have to give evidence on Epstein?

The pair were pictured together in New York’s Central Park in December 2010, in a meeting Andrew later claimed was to end their friendship.

In Congress, the House Oversight Committee is investigating the Epstein affair, and several of its members have invited Andrew to come and give evidence, presenting it as an opportunity to clear his name.

Meanwhile, Virginia Giuffre’s family have called for Andrew to be “investigated” over her claims that – as a teenager – she had sex with Andrew on three occasions after being trafficked by Epstein and Maxwell.

Andrew has always denied the claims. Ms Giuffre sued in 2021 and the case was settled outside of court for a sum believed to have been around £12m.

In an interview with Gareth Barlow on Sky News, Ms Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts praised the King for stripping his brother of his remaining titles and ousting him from Royal Lodge.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Virginia Guiffre’s family sends message to King

Andrew set for six-figure sum

Andrew could be in line for a six-figure payout and an annual payment as part of his “relocation settlement” after being forced out of the Royal Lodge, the Guardian reported.

One option includes an initial six-figure sum followed by an annual payment, which would be paid from the King’s private funds, and is thought to be several times his £20k-a-year navy pension, sources told the newspaper.

👉 Listen to Sky News Daily on your podcast app 👈

He will move from Windsor to private accommodation in Sandringham, Norfolk. But on Saturday, people in Sandringham had mixed views about the move.

One man told Sky News he would be unwelcome: “This is a lovely, peaceful area. His reputation now is tarnished, and, I don’t think it’s right.

“This is where the royals come for Christmas… and come throughout the year. And, I don’t think people local really want to see him here.”

But another man was more sympathetic: “He hasn’t been found guilty of anything in my view. So and people forget that he was a war hero in the Falklands. That’s all gone now, isn’t it? Nobody’s thinking that he’s done any good.”

Public supports Charles, poll shows

A poll has revealed the public supports the King’s decision to strip Andrew of his titles and remove him from the Royal Lodge.

Of the 4,739 people surveyed by YouGov, 79% said it was “the right decision” to “strip Andrew Mountbatten Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) of his prince title”.

But when asked about the speed of King’s response to the Andrew-Epstein revelations, 58% of respondents said the monarch moved “too slowly”.

Police provide update

The Metropolitan Police has given Sky News an update on allegations that Andrew asked a royal close protection officer to “dig up dirt” on Virginia Giuffre in 2011.

When reports first emerged two weeks ago, the force said it was “actively looking into the claims”.

On Saturday, the Met said: “Following recent media reporting on the actions of officers in relation to this matter, we are considering whether any further assessment or review is necessary.”

Meanwhile, the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), issued a statement regarding allegations that Andrew’s royal close protection officers had obstructed lawyers serving a lawsuit from Virginia Giuffre in 2021.

The IOPC said: “We have not received any referrals in relation to this matter at this time.”

Read more from Sky News:
Why Andrew is still in line to the throne
The Sandringham homes he could move to

Graham Smith, from the anti-monarchy group Republic, told Sky News: “The problem that the royals have is that there’s going to be more information coming out, more scandals, more accusations and more emails.

“The idea that essentially… he’s [Andrew] told to live in a very large house, given a half million pound stipend, and told to use his own name, is any kind of punishment, is absurd in most people’s eyes.”

In the next few days, the King is expected to submit the royal warrant, affecting the dukedom, and letters patent, which will formally remove Andrew’s entitlement to use the title prince and HRH style.

Continue Reading

UK

Should Prince Andrew Drive be renamed? Here’s what residents think

Published

on

By

Should Prince Andrew Drive be renamed? Here's what residents think

“I hate it,” Shirley told us.

Every time she has to give her address, it leads to a snide remark or joke at her expense.

She’s lived on Prince Andrew Drive in Telford, Shropshire, for 35 years.

As the national scandal around Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now called – has deepened, it has become increasingly embarrassing for her.

Andrew latest: Virginia Giuffre’s brother calls for investigation

A few years ago, another resident started a petition to change the name of the road, and somebody covered up part of the street sign.

“I think we should change it,” Shirley told us, “but don’t ask me what to.”

More on Prince Andrew

Shirley is one of the residents calling for the street to be renamed
Image:
Shirley is one of the residents calling for the street to be renamed

After a few minutes weighing up the options, she settled on Prince George Drive.

“At least that looks to the future,” she added.

Linda Boden has lived on the road even longer – she and husband Phil moved here after getting married 45 years ago.

“We have actually had the conversation this morning, that the name of this road will get changed,” Linda said.

Phil told us he wasn’t bothered about the name. “It’s just a name, it’s not the man… I can’t tell you what I think [about him] without swearing you know.”

A bird's eye view of Prince Andrew Drive
Image:
A bird’s eye view of Prince Andrew Drive

Cheryl, who lives nearby, told us what really mattered to her were the victims of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal – particularly the late Virginia Giuffre.

“That poor girl needs justice,” she said. “It is ridiculous it has gone on this long to be perfectly honest. That poor family are still living with it.”

Read More:
Andrew loses his titles – everything we know
The Sandringham homes he could move into

Cheryl's focus is on Virginia Giuffre
Image:
Cheryl’s focus is on Virginia Giuffre

Julie Harper lives on the adjacent road, called Queen Elizabeth Way, and is more than happy with her road name.

She told Sky News that the King had made the “best decision ever” by removing his brother’s titles.

I asked where her sympathies lay within this long-running royal scandal and Julie was unequivocal.

“With anybody who has been sexually exploited,” she said bluntly.

Julie believes Princess Anne Drive would be a better name for her neighbours’ road.

“She’s one of the better ones,” she added.

Julie lives on the nearby Queen Elizabeth Way and suggests a renaming that would stick to the royal theme
Image:
Julie lives on the nearby Queen Elizabeth Way and suggests a renaming that would stick to the royal theme

Changing the road name would be a logistical headache for local authorities and residents, with some telling us it did not bother them and they would not fancy the extra paperwork to amend things such as household bills and driving licences.

But Postman Gary told us every time he’s making deliveries on Prince Andrew Drive, he feels for the residents.

“We have a little giggle because we know they don’t want it named that anymore and I wouldn’t either if I lived here. It’s probably time it changed.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

‘Huge’ part of royal statement you might have missed

We did not find anyone on Prince Andrew Drive who disagreed with the King’s decision to remove his titles and oust him from his home in Windsor.

The monarchy needs to retain the support of the public across the UK – that’s one of the reasons the King has taken such decisive action at this point in the scandal.

Continue Reading

UK

Ex-sergeant major jailed for sexually assaulting teenage soldier Jaysley Beck

Published

on

By

Ex-sergeant major jailed for sexually assaulting teenage soldier Jaysley Beck

A former sergeant major has been jailed for six months for sexually assaulting a teenage soldier, who later took her own life after being bombarded with messages by another senior colleague.

Michael Webber, who was a 39-year-old Battery Sergeant Major at the time, previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault. He was sentenced at Bulford Court Martial Centre in Salisbury on Friday.

He had assaulted 19-year-old Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, from Cumbria, at a work social event in July 2021.

Gunner Beck, who had joined the Army at 16, said that Webber had “made a pass” at her, put his hand between her legs and “pinned her down” while trying to kiss her.

Jaysley Beck and her mother Leighann McCready. Pic: Family handout/PA
Image:
Jaysley Beck and her mother Leighann McCready. Pic: Family handout/PA

She pushed him away and spent the night locked in her car before making a complaint to her superiors in the morning.

Webber was given a minor sanction, involving him being interviewed and writing Gunner Beck a letter of apology, but the incident was not reported to police.

An inquest into her death heard she was later bombarded with messages by bombardier Ryan Mason, another senior colleague, who has since left the army, who expressed his love for her.

Jaysley Beck at her passing out parade. Pic: Centre for Military Justice/PA
Image:
Jaysley Beck at her passing out parade. Pic: Centre for Military Justice/PA

The 19-year-old’s body was found in her room at Larkhill barracks, Wiltshire, on 15 December, 2021. An inquest ruled that her death was a suicide.

During the inquest, coroner Nicholas Rheinberg ruled that “on the balance of probabilities” the Army’s failure to take appropriate action “more than minimally” contributed to her death.

An army report published in October 2023 also described Gunner Beck being exposed to “an intense period of unwelcome behaviour”, and said it was “almost certain this was a causal factor” in her death.

Wiltshire Police investigated a complaint of harassment submitted by Gunner Beck’s family after her death, relating to Mr Mason’s behaviour, but found the evidence did not support a criminal harassment case.

Gunner Beck was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021. Pic: Family handout/PA
Image:
Gunner Beck was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021. Pic: Family handout/PA

Gunner Beck’s mother Leighann McCready said outside the court after Webber’s sentencing: “No sentence will ever be enough.

“While he serves his time, it’s us who will live with a life sentence for what he did. And now the army failed to protect her afterwards.”

Ms McCready said her daughter “did everything right, but was failed by the system that was meant to support and protect her”.

“She followed the rules, but those responsible didn’t follow as they failed to act. Failed to report and failed to follow up,” she added.

Ms McCready said she will continue fighting for “real change” in the British Army after Gunner Beck’s death: “Not hollow promises or recycled words that have already failed our daughter and continue to fail others.

“Real action means giving soldiers somewhere truly independent to report serious complaints without fear or favour.

“We cannot bring our daughter back. But I will keep fighting to make sure her life leads to change.”

Read more:
Army’s handling of complaint ‘played part in death’
Jaysley Beck’s mother urges Army to root out abusers
Sexual harassment probes to be removed from chain of command

Minister for veterans and people Louise Sandher-Jones said the sentencing of Webber was an “important step on the journey to justice”.

She said: “We are honouring Jaysley’s legacy by bringing about crucial reform, to provide a place where people are proud to work and have faith in the service justice system.

“The Army has accepted the failings identified by the service inquiry in full and has also responded to the recommendations to improve service life across its culture, policies and practices.”

Major General Jon Swift, assistant chief of the general staff, said: “We will always be profoundly sorry for the failings that were identified at Jaysley’s inquest in February.”

He said the Army acknowledges that Webber’s sentencing “has come too late for their beloved daughter”, adding: “We are sorry we didn’t listen to Jaysley when she first reported her assault. We are determined to make sure the same mistakes don’t happen again.”

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

Continue Reading

Trending