Scottish Parliament

First Minister Alex Salmond has backed his deputy Nicola Sturgeon "110%", in the row over her support for a convicted fraudster in her constituency.

Mr Salmond defended the Govan MSP's decision to ask a court to consider alternatives to custody in the case of 60-year-old Abdul Rauf during first minister's question time on 11 February 2010.

Mr Rauf defrauded more than £80,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions. He had previously been convicted for fraud in 1996, when he was given a four-year sentence for stealing nearly £60,000 in pension and benefit payments.

The row dominated first minister's questions.

Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray said the only conflict of interest Nicola Sturgeon had faced was between criminals and the victims of crimes.

Mr Gray called for Mr Salmond to "sack or back" the deputy first minister.

Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie told the chamber that she was not calling for Nicola Sturgeon's resignation, but said questions had to be answered and that Ms Sturgeon should make a statement to the parliament.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott asked Mr Salmond how bad a crime had to be before the SNP would say no to making representations for a constituent.

The first minister repeatedly backed his deputy, repeating that it was expected that each MSP should take on a constituent's case when approached and it was a duty of care as defined in the parliamentary code of conduct.