Nicola Sturgeon's deputy has attempted to deflect outrage over her declaration that she "detests" Tories by blaming the actions of Margaret Thatcher's government and insisting she was really referring to Conservative policy.

John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister, admitted that her language was "blunt" but argued that "people want to hear it the way it is" and praised her as a "great communicator."

Although Mr Swinney was challenged that she had explicitly referred to "Tories" rather than party policy, he rejected accusations that her attack was inflammatory or that she was guilty of double standards.

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