With nation in crisis after 15yrs of decline we need an election now

Nicola Sturgeon was quick to slate the Tories on their leadership farce but has no words now her own party has gone the same way

- ANAS SARWAR

FIVE months ago Nicola Sturgeon launched a stinging takedown of the Tories' disastrous leadership election.

She fumed: "There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately. It's beyond hyperbole and parody.

"Reality, though, is that ordinary people are paying the price.

"The interests of the party should concern no one right now.

"An election is now a democratic imperative.

She was right - but the same rules don't seem to apply now her own party has descended into chaos and infighting while Scotland pays the price.

No matter who is crowned SNP leader, there are no winners.

The SNP has been badly bruised by this toxic leadership contest their record has been trashed and a for and  litany of gaffes and scandals has damaged the candidates before they've even taken office.