Val McDermid: Politics is an 'absolute cesspit of misogyny'

The Herald Scotland

10-07-2025

McDermid said she would not even consider entering the political sphere because it had become so toxic.
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The writer, who previously worked in newspaper journalism, said modern-day politics had become "totally personalised", with women targeted for abuse if they put their head "above the parapet."
McDermid, a close friend of Nicola Sturgeon, has shared a stage with her at a number of recent events, including the Glasgow Comedy Festival.
Nicola Sturgeon and Val McDermid have appeared together at a number of recent festivals and events.
They are due to appear next month in separate events at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, where the former First Minister is due to launch her memoir.
The author was speaking in Edinburgh to promote Queen Macbeth, the real-life 11th century Scottish king and queen who inspired Shakespeare's Macbeth and Lady Macbeth characters.
McDermid, who was interviewed by Ms Sturgeon about the book in Edinburgh last year, revealed she was given the option to completely "reimagine" the Lady Macbeth character by her publisher.
She told the audience: "They told me to do it any way I wanted, including setting the book in the real historic period or in contemporary Scotland.
"I just thought: 'Oh yeah, what could possibly go wrong with a strong woman being persecuted in contemporary Scotland. How much trouble could I get into with that?'"
During the in-conversation event at the Portobello Bookshop, McDermid was asked about the treatment of Chancellor Rachel Reeves over her tearful appearance in the House of Commons last week.
The author said: "If that had been a man having a man having an emotional moment he would have been heralded for having emotions.
"Politics particularly right now is an absolute cesspit of misogyny. Women are being really picked on for all sorts of things.
"If you put your head above the parapet you are used as a target.
"I wouldn't go into politics as a woman. It is totally personalised.
"We have seen it in Scotland. We have seen women politicians being trashed and traduced."
Asked what kept her awake at night, McDermid said she tried to focus on what writing she would be doing the following day, including how to resolve plot problems.
She added: "I don't mind being kept awake by that kind of thing.
"I try not to think about things that make me want to go out with an AK47.
"If I think too much about what is happening in the outside world I am paralysed by horror. I just try to focus on my own work and what's in front of me."
McDermid suggested a "Janey Godley Memorial Protest" should be organised to welcome American President Donald Trump for his forthcoming visit to Scotland.
Earlier this year, McDermid said some of the online abuse targeted at Nicola Sturgeon was "disgusting."
She said at the time: "There are a lot of men who do not like the idea of a successful woman, in whatever walk of life."