Former First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, died unexpectedly today at age 69, just three hours after posting a scathing series of tweets. At 2:02 p.m., Salmond, who headed the Scottish National Party (SNP) twice, from 1990 to 2000 and 2004 to 2014, turned to X (previously Twitter) to criticize both Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, and former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Salmond started off by citing a purported statement Blair made on the Scottish Parliament, implying that Blair wrote it down as a "English Parish Council." Blair, according to Salmond, tried to refute these claims and accused the Scottish media of misrepresenting his remarks. He went on to attack Swinney's conduct as First Minister, namely his decision to interact with rival politicians during a recent Council of the Nations and Regions gathering.
Salmond's Comments on Blair
In the tweet series, Salmond asserted that Blair did indeed compare the Scottish Parliament to a parish council and that Blair’s complaints about the press’s portrayal of him were unsubstantiated. He stated, “Tony Blair used to whine that he never really compared the Scottish Parliament to an ‘English Parish Council.’ In fact, he did so compare.”
Tony Blair used to whine that he never really compared the Scottish Parliament to an “English Parish Council”, it was only the nasty Scottish press who twisted his remarks! In fact, he did so compare. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/nTqUQlqu3I
— Alex Salmond (@AlexSalmond) October 12, 2024
Salmond voiced his dissatisfaction with the way in which Blair's remarks were handled and that his analogy of the Scottish Parliament revealed a fundamental problem with perception. Salmond emphasized the statement's importance, suggesting that the English elite denigrated Scotland's administration.
Salmond's Criticism of Swinney
Salmond also took aim at First Minister John Swinney, accusing him of compromising Scotland’s status by participating in the recent Council of the Nations and Regions. Salmond criticized Swinney’s decision to pose for a group selfie with political opponents, particularly given that these opponents were “freezing Scots pensioners.” Salmond added, “Of course, the First Minister has the right to insist on bilateral JMC meetings with the Prime Minister. I am not sure in which world that correct business approach includes a convivial group selfie with the political opponent.”
Similarly, there is little point in John Swinney complaining that his attendance at the grandly titled Council of the Nations and Regions doesn’t carry a perception of a regional status for the nation of Scotland – it does deliver that status. (2/5)
— Alex Salmond (@AlexSalmond) October 12, 2024
Salmond said in his tweets that Swinney's membership on the council—which was first proposed by former prime minister Gordon Brown—would eventually weaken Scotland's devolved government. It was hinted by him that the purpose of the Council was to devalue the Scottish Parliament, so undermining the cause of independence and diminishing the power of Scotland's government.
Public Reaction
Salmond’s remarks sparked immediate responses on X, with users expressing admiration for his steadfast views. One user commented, “Absolute legend, fighting for Scotland until the very end! RIP.” The statement echoed the sentiments of many, who saw Salmond as a persistent advocate for Scottish independence.
Alex Salmond is dead but the fight for Scottish Independence continues. pic.twitter.com/KhFnUlNc5C
— BladeoftheSun (@BladeoftheS) October 12, 2024
Alex Salmond’s sudden death marks the end of a prominent political career, leaving behind a legacy of fervent support for Scottish nationalism. The timing of his final tweets underscored his continued passion for Scotland’s independence and his dissatisfaction with its political direction.