The future of independence in Scotland after the departure of Sturgeon

The surprise resignation of Nicola Sturgeon as chief minister of Scotland It leaves a big question mark over the future of the Scottish independence movement, which is at a historic moment, according to analysts.

Speculation as to whether Sturgeon would continue to lead Scottish politics had surfaced recently, as “There were clear indications that she was not going to want to run for a new legislature” (2026), said Nicola McEwen, co-director of the Center for Constitutional Change at the University of Edinburgh.

Sturgeon was re-elected by an almost absolute majority in May 2021, and became the longest-serving politician in Scotland, eight years in service, surpassing her predecessor and mentor Alex Salmond (2007-2014), who was also hand right.

The decision taken yesterday by Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), came as a surprise to the British political world.

What is the decision for?

McEwen sees several factors in the decision, on the personal side, but also “as part of the electoral cycle, to give necessary time to whoever succeeds him” to gain a foothold, since Sturgeon “It leaves a huge void for anyone trying to take office.”

Sturgeon’s leadership has been strong and dominant, like her mentor Salmond, and even polarizing, as she herself acknowledged when she said goodbye, and that is why perhaps “She thought that by removing herself from the equation, she might allow the movement to grow,” opined Lesley Riddoch, political analyst and journalist.

Sturgeon’s successor or successor will have to be able to “bring together people outside your party”, as she did, assesses McEwen, “because independence clearly divides Scotland.”

Polls show a volatility in Scottish society regarding the SNP’s aspirations for independence, as only 44% of Scots would currently vote in favor of a split.

plan on independence

Another independence plan poses a problem for the SNP because Sturgeon had such strong leadership, Riddoch says.

The reach of Sturgeon’s political figure means few contenders are in sight, but potential successors include names from the old and new guard.

Kate Forbes, head of Economics in Scotland; Angus Robertson, former leader of the SNP in the House of Commons, and Mhairi Black, right-hand man to the new leader in the Westminster Parliament (central), Stephen Flynn, sound like possible leaders.

Forbes, SNP’s young promise on maternity leave, would have a hard time because of “being part of a Christian church, opposed to gay marriage and abortion, something difficult for a progressive movement”adds Riddoch.

The figure of Robertson is better known within the party and faithful to Sturgeon, since “He is an ambitious man, and he has probably started to position himself already”points out the analyst.

The nationalists are in “a challenging moment on the road to independence, now that the referendum option” it is not possible without an agreement with London, says McEwen.

Varying views on how to continue the independence cause will be debated at a special conference in Scotland on March 19, although many politicians are calling for it to be postponed until a new leader is elected.

Meanwhile, the party executive meets today to set the calendar and the selection process for the new leader.

Source: EFE