A bombshell new book has lifted the lid on the deep-seated tensions between two of Britain's most prominent left-wing figures, alleging that Nicola Sturgeon privately held a scathing view of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
The revelation comes from Tim Rideout, a former key economic advisor to the SNP and a staunch Scottish independence campaigner. In his forthcoming book, Rideout claims the former First Minister derided Corbyn, characterising him as a "sneering English middle-class socialist" whose political approach was fundamentally at odds with the Scottish cause.
A Strategic Alliance Built on Cynicism?
This private contempt, if accurate, stands in stark contrast to the public political manoeuvring during the 2017 general election. At the time, the SNP appeared to prop up Corbyn's Labour as a tactical move to weaken the Conservative government and further the agenda of Scottish independence.
Rideout's account suggests this public support was a calculated strategy rather than a genuine meeting of minds. The alleged remark paints a picture of deep ideological and cultural divides, with Sturgeon seemingly questioning Corbyn's ability to understand and connect with the Scottish electorate on a meaningful level.
Internal SNP Strategy Exposed
The book, titled 'How the SNP can win Scottish Independence in the Supreme Court', goes beyond mere gossip. It purports to offer an insider's perspective on the internal debates and strategic calculations within the SNP hierarchy.
Rideout's position as a former advisor lends significant weight to the claim, suggesting it was an attitude perhaps shared or understood within certain circles of the party. The disclosure is likely to fuel debates about the authenticity of political alliances and the real sentiments that drive high-stakes political strategy.
Fallout and Reaction
While representatives for Sturgeon and Corbyn have yet to issue formal comments on the specific allegation, the claim is set to send ripples through UK politics. It undermines the narrative of a united progressive front and could potentially alienate segments of supporters from both sides.
For staunch unionists, the revelation will be seen as evidence of the SNP's opportunistic nature. For those on the left, it exposes a painful rift and a potential betrayal of solidarity, revealing that the battle for Britain's political future is often fought with sharp words and even sharper tactics behind closed doors.
