Fife MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville admits Nicola Sturgeon’s arrest has led to a challenging period for the SNP and those who worked with the former first minister.
The social justice secretary made the comments while in Dundee on Monday to launch a new public-facing space in Social Security Scotland’s head office, where she met with service users.
Last week, Ms Sturgeon was questioned for more than seven hours as part of a police investigation into the SNP’s finances.
She was later released without charge pending further investigation.
Ms Somerville, who represents Dunfermline, told The Courier it was tough for her and her colleagues to see the events involving their old boss unfolding.
She said: “Clearly, this is a difficult time for the SNP and a difficult time for us, knowing Nicola personally.
“But the first minister is determined that we focus on what is important to the people of Scotland.
“For example, we’ve got (Social Security Scotland) which is delivering social security here in Scotland, and we’ve got the First Minister detailing a new constitution.”
Ms Somerville ‘looking forward’ to independence convention in Dundee
Mr Yousaf unveiled plans to introduce a written constitution if the country becomes independent at a launch event in Glasgow on Monday.
Proposals for the document, which would set out the rights of citizens, include allowing workers to strike and a guarantee healthcare is “free at the point of need”.
It comes ahead of a special independence convention which will be held at Dundee’s Caird Hall on Saturday.
Ms Somerville insists the government remains razor-focused on independence, despite the ongoing SNP crisis.
The former education secretary added: “(The constitution) is important because it has got things like a right to food, it has aspects around the right to adequate housing, it can ensure that you don’t have anti-trade union laws so that you have a right to strike.
“These are differences that you can only get with independence, and that is why independence matters on day-to-day issues.
“That is why our constitution matters, because it is about your rights and it’s about rights that are getting taken away by the UK government right now – and that won’t change under a labour government either.”
Asked whether she is concerned that Ms Sturgeon’s arrest will detract from the matter of independence at next week’s conference, she said: “I am really looking forward to what’s happening in Dundee this weekend and to see what the discussion is amongst SNP members.”
‘Families are really struggling’
Ms Somerville, who lives in North Queensferry with her husband and two children, is responsible for tackling poverty in Scotland in her new cabinet secretary role.
Does she see these social justice issues in her own community?
Ms Somerville said: “In every community in Scotland there is poverty – there are families struggling.
“The UK government has unfortunately got us into a position where they are withdrawing support, for example in people’s energy bills.
“We are seeing Universal Credit not matching the levels that it should be to be able to give people that level of support.
“We are doing what we can in the Scottish Government in terms of introducing the Scottish child payment.”
The Scottish child payment, one of the devolved benefits offered by Social Security Scotland, is a weekly payment of £25 that families can get for every child under the age of 16 in their care.
Ms Somerville added: “I would encourage everybody in Courier country to see if they’re entitled to the Scottish child payment, and get in touch.
“That support is out there – because there are families that are really, really struggling.”
The new drop-in space in Social Security Scotland’s waterfront building will allow members of the community to access face-to-face services for the first time, including general advice and signposting on benefits.
