Jack: Nicola's reign of power was a disgrace

THE former Scottish Secretary who blocked Nicola Sturgeon's gender reforms has claimed credit for her resignation as First Minister just weeks later.

- By Ben Borland

Alister Jack, now Lord Jack of Courance, said the former SNP leader should apologise to the women she “demonised” for opposing her bid to enshrine gender self-identification for trans people in law.

The Tory peer also said her administration had introduced the hugely controversial and unpopular policy “years before they sought to legislate”, meaning it has now become embedded in all parts of Scottish life.

In a scathing takedown, Lord Jack condemned Ms Sturgeon’s “disgraceful and appalling” treatment of her gender-critical opponents such as JK Rowling and For Women Scotland (FWS).

His comments to the Sunday Times come 18 months after he utilised Section 35 powers in the Scotland Act — the first time they have been used — to veto the Gender Recognition Reform Bill.