Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon received £25,000 for her appearance on ITV’s general election results programme in July, according to newly disclosed details in her register of interests.
The payment, plus VAT, was made to her company, Nicola Sturgeon Limited. This revelation has sparked controversy given that under Sturgeon’s leadership, the SNP previously criticised former Conservative leader Ruth Davidson for accepting £7,500 for a similar role in 2019.
At the time, SNP members argued that sitting politicians should not be paid for such appearances. However, current First Minister John Swinney defended Sturgeon, stating that he did not believe she should resign as an MSP over the payment. He also disagreed with a previous call from SNP cabinet colleague Angus Robertson, who had urged Davidson to step down after her paid election night appearance in 2019.
Sturgeon’s register of interests also shows she declared over £3,000 worth of travel and accommodation expenses related to her ITV appearance.
A spokesperson for the former SNP leader confirmed that she was paid the fee offered by ITN and had registered it appropriately.
