Sturgeon faces growing SNP rebellion over leadership style

Revolt criticising policies on independence, economy and transgender rights could also see Alex Salmond return to party

Nicola Sturgeon faces a growing rebellion over her leadership style that is expected to involve Alex Salmond being readmitted to the Scottish National party next year.

More than 20 activists, councillors and MPs critical of Sturgeon's leadership and her policies on independence, the economy and transgender rights were elected last week to the party's national executive as office bearers and ruling committees, to the shock of party leaders.