Megan Bonar

Forensic tests intended to establish how Scottish aid worker Elisabeth Ross died in Athens may take at least another month. Ross’s body was found in a suitcase in an abandoned building on 18 July, and Afghan boxer Sharif Ahmadzai has been charged with homicide with intent, robbery and weapons offences. Although an initial coroner’s report found no external injuries and an undetermined cause of death, a subsequent examination listed asphyxiation as the probable cause. Ahmadzai denies the homicide charge but admits moving the body, while investigators are examining evidence including messages sent from Ross’s phone, bank-card transactions and a statement from Ahmadzai’s wife.

Nicola Sturgeon said she has had no contact with her estranged husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, since he was jailed for embezzling £400,310.65 from the party. She said Murrell concealed the scale and details of his crimes, including the purchase of a £124,550 motorhome and other luxury goods, and that she would not visit him in prison. Sturgeon denied knowing about the offences and described the emotional impact on herself and her family. The report also noted the SNP’s decision to write off the motorhome’s cost and Sturgeon’s separate dispute with author J.K. Rowling over Scottish independence, trans rights and criticism of her political record.

Nicola Sturgeon says she has not spoken to or visited her estranged husband, Peter Murrell, since he was jailed for embezzling £400,310.65 from the Scottish National Party. Murrell admitted using party funds for a luxury motorhome and other high-value goods, while Sturgeon says he concealed the details from her and that she is still coming to terms with the betrayal. The article also reports Sturgeon's criticism of J.K. Rowling, who has attacked her over gender-recognition policy and her criticism of the SNP's election campaign.

Afghan boxer Sharif Ahmadzai appeared in an Athens court over the death of Scottish aid worker Elisabeth Ross, whose body was found in a suitcase in an abandoned building. He faces suspected homicide with intent, robbery and weapons charges, but made no comment and is expected to be formally charged later. Police allege that he moved Ross’s body, used her bank card and sent messages from her phone to make it appear she was alive; Ahmadzai reportedly denies murder and says he found her dead. Investigators are examining links between the two through refugee-support work, while police say Ahmadzai’s wife had no involvement.

Scottish Labour faces a leadership contest as Anas Sarwar prepares to move to Westminster after the party’s historically poor Holyrood result. Deputy leader Jackie Baillie is expected to serve as acting leader and may face calls to run. Michael Marra is widely viewed as the leading contender, with a background in party policy and family political ties. Monica Lennon, known for her legislative campaigns, could also run if she re-enters parliament via Sarwar’s vacated seat. Daniel Johnson is seen as an outsider despite shadow cabinet experience, while Paul Sweeney brings prior Westminster experience and a strong campaigning profile.