Scottish Leader Fights Back in Row With Ex-mentor That Threatens Independence Drive

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gestures as she gives evidence to a Scottish Parliament committee examining the handling of harassment allegations against former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain, on March 3, 2021. Jeff J Mitchell/Pool via Reuters

LONDON—Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon on Wednesday defended her handling of sexual harassment complaints against her predecessor Alex Salmond in high-stakes testimony on an issue that threatens to scupper her dream of leading Scotland to independence.

Describing the feud with Salmond as “one of the most invidious political and personal situations” she had ever faced, Sturgeon denied Salmond’s accusations that she had plotted against him and misled the Scottish parliament.