Nicola Sturgeon says claims of conspiracy against Alex Salmond 'absurd'

Nicola Sturgeon has insisted claims of a plot against Alex Salmond are “absurd”.

The first minister was speaking at the inquiry into her government's flawed handling of harassment complaints against Mr Salmond.

Ms Sturgeon said: “A number of women made serious complaints about Alex Salmond's behaviour.

“The government, despite the mistake it undoubtedly made, tried to do the right thing.”