What if disgruntled Corbyn supporters decide to set up a new party . Or if Corbyn does . Of course they would do that in the knowledge that they would likely facilitate another Tory government .
No it isn't. These people are totally irrelevant
There are 35 sitting Labour MPs - nearly 1 in 5 - in the Socialist Campaign Group.
If they want it, there are enough to have a significant voice.
A few thoughts on the post Sturgeon world. Firstly this does not have the feeling of a long planned move, not least because the presser was "hurriedly arranged" and there really is no obvious successor. The announcement has come only a few weeks after the FM categorically denied having any intention to go.
So what changed? I think the GRA has been bitter, but Surgeon seemed to be facing it down a bit. So is it the luke-warm support for making the next GE a "de facto referendum" on indy? Again, she is quite capable of toughing things out. Is it worries about the campaign finance allegations against her husband? Not stopped her up until now. Is she afraid that the slight fall off in Nat support in the polls becomes a sustained decline?
The Nats have been on the back foot for a while, and the sense of invulnerability they used to have has clearly been punctured. May be quitting while ahead might give her greater influence with a weaker successor than if the setback came on her watch and she had to take the blame.
In any event it opens up an opportunity for Labour (and actually the Lib Dems too). There are a couple of local by elections coming up, lets see if they give any sense of direction.
I suspect Sturgeon was planning to go in 2024, three years into her term and two years ahead of the next election, which is a normal point for leaders to stand down mid-term. Clearly her departure has been accelerated. She could have stayed on until next year but I guess she doesn't see the point.
She had promised election by October 2023 , she had to either do that or get out and she obviously was not prepared to have an election. Plus the chickens are likely to be coming home to roost.
She’s doesn’t understand that people fear and loathe her because she is trying to destroy the United Kingdom. Of course she is polarising. What does she expect?
Self-serving short-sighted mince
Why would she care what the UK plebs outside Scotland think.
I lack the knowledge to be able to write a thread header on it but it would be good to see someone do a piece on the detail of how this affects Starmer's chances for an overall majority. My uninformed view, given the popularity of Sturgeon amongst a large section of the left leaning electorate in Scotland, is that almost no matter who takes over, Labour are going to see a significant improvement in their vote share and associated increase in seats.
We have always said that one of the most important traits of a successful PM is that they are lucky. I think Starmer benefits greatly from that today.
Its no harbinger of a unionist rising Phoenix but I think people are allowed to celebrate the end of an opponents career, willing or otherwise. I remember that ridiculous criticism of Sturgeon celebrating Swinson losing her seat.
She’s doesn’t understand that people fear and loathe her because she is trying to destroy the United Kingdom. Of course she is polarising. What does she expect?
Self-serving short-sighted mince
Why would she care what the UK plebs outside Scotland think.
Can anyone explain to me why the IMF are projecting the Russian economy to grow this year? Seems weird since the energy sanctions have only just come in. Most of the government expenditure in January was borrowing. Will they be able to keep indebting themselves in the medium term?
- Not a reaction to short term pressures (they’re always there) - Longer term assessment “is carrying on right for me, for country, party, independence”? - Giving everything of yourself to your job is only way to do it - takes its toll on you & those around you. Only recently taken account of that. - Blocking SINDYRef “democratic outrage” - so “pretendyref” is her view of way ahead - and Conference will decide - but I wouldn’t be there to implement it. - Believes there is majority support for independence - but to solidify need new leader to reach across to undecided/unpersuaded. - Issues being distorted by Sturgeon’s entrenched image, so her not being there will help improve debate. - Continuing in politics - young children & independence - will be there as independence is won. - Cause of independence bigger than any one individual. - List of improvements in Scotland. - Going to back benches. - (Fact checkers will be poring over this list…) - Thanks husband & family, SNP, people of Scotland
A few thoughts on the post Sturgeon world. Firstly this does not have the feeling of a long planned move, not least because the presser was "hurriedly arranged" and there really is no obvious successor. The announcement has come only a few weeks after the FM categorically denied having any intention to go.
So what changed? I think the GRA has been bitter, but Surgeon seemed to be facing it down a bit. So is it the luke-warm support for making the next GE a "de facto referendum" on indy? Again, she is quite capable of toughing things out. Is it worries about the campaign finance allegations against her husband? Not stopped her up until now. Is she afraid that the slight fall off in Nat support in the polls becomes a sustained decline?
The Nats have been on the back foot for a while, and the sense of invulnerability they used to have has clearly been punctured. May be quitting while ahead might give her greater influence with a weaker successor than if the setback came on her watch and she had to take the blame.
In any event it opens up an opportunity for Labour (and actually the Lib Dems too). There are a couple of local by elections coming up, lets see if they give any sense of direction.
My best guess at the moment is that there are quite a few little things starting to mount up, none of which is yet significant to force her to resign, but combined they may be having the effect of her concluding that if she doesn't resign now, she may not get the option to resign of her own volition later.
What if disgruntled Corbyn supporters decide to set up a new party . Or if Corbyn does . Of course they would do that in the knowledge that they would likely facilitate another Tory government .
No it isn't. These people are totally irrelevant
There are 35 sitting Labour MPs - nearly 1 in 5 - in the Socialist Campaign Group.
If they want it, there are enough to have a significant voice.
And enough to give Sir Keir major problems if he doesn't get the electorate's consent for his programme.
Sturgeon is an impressive figure in public appearances, and it's been easy to forget that not everyone in the Scottish independence movement is as sensible as her. In particular, she's managed to show that wanting independence is not the same thing as hating the English. If the more jingoistic part of the SNP get control, then they'll destroy their chances of winning any referendum they get.
I think it was @Gardenwalker who mentioned rumours about this last night (?) Neatly done.
Been trailed for last week or two up here
Perhaps - I have to say it's passed me by malcolm. But I can't say I'm unhappy with it, though I'm probably happy with it for different reasons than most here. She had become more of a roadblock to independence than an asset.
For sure and big thing will be who replaces her, hopefully someone really wanting independence who will clear out her dead wood ministers and bin the weirdo greens asap. So not Macbeth and I think Forbes hiding on GRR will have done for her. So Flynn , Cherry and ??
Has to be someone in Holyrood so not Flynn or Cherry (no personal support for the latter anyway).
I wished it was Cherry.
The puns and single entendres I could make with that surname.
Surely to maintain the tradition is needs to be fish related again. Trouble is I can't see anyone that fits the bill amongst current MSPs.
Get a sense the SNP is about to descend into massive infighting. She is such a loss to them
And that is the Big Opportunity for opposing parties like my own. That the SNP expends so much energy fighting amongst its different factions that it does lasting damage to itself if not splitting apart properly.
LOL, with ACH as leader you have to be kidding , they will be lucky to need a tandem, bereft of talent , not liberal , not democratic, London sock puppets with nothing to offer Scotland.
She’s doesn’t understand that people fear and loathe her because she is trying to destroy the United Kingdom. Of course she is polarising. What does she expect?
Self-serving short-sighted mince
Why would she care what the UK plebs outside Scotland think.
There's clearly substantial support for independence in Scotland but the SNP have also benefited from the division and general uselessness of their opponents. Let's see whether they can keep the show on the road now.
Although the Sunak government was opposed to the measure, let's remember that the justification for stopping it was the potential impact on the rest of the UK. It was a legal matter.
What if disgruntled Corbyn supporters decide to set up a new party . Or if Corbyn does . Of course they would do that in the knowledge that they would likely facilitate another Tory government .
No it isn't. These people are totally irrelevant
There are 35 sitting Labour MPs - nearly 1 in 5 - in the Socialist Campaign Group.
If they want it, there are enough to have a significant voice.
And enough to give Sir Keir major problems if he doesn't get the electorate's consent for his programme.
Yes, and some of the more *interesting* ones inherited very safe constituencies in the Springtime of Corbyn !!
She’s doesn’t understand that people fear and loathe her because she is trying to destroy the United Kingdom. Of course she is polarising. What does she expect?
Self-serving short-sighted mince
Why would she care what the UK plebs outside Scotland think.
Prof John Curtice “Nicola Sturgeon SNP’s most effective communicator by far, no obvious successor.”
As someone who doesn’t live in Scotland and isn’t a natural SNP voter, I still always thought Angus Robertson was a good speaker when he was at Westminster.
He did seem to come across well. No idea where he falls on the issues though.
She’s doesn’t understand that people fear and loathe her because she is trying to destroy the United Kingdom. Of course she is polarising. What does she expect?
Self-serving short-sighted mince
Why would she care what the UK plebs outside Scotland think.
Because half of Scotland also thinks this
Silly Billy
She is LOATHED by many No voters. You know this. It’s precisely because she is a powerful and effective politician
It is vital that @theSNP reacts to the resignation of #NicolaSturgeon in a way that is beneficial to the country and the cause of independence. Our party needs a leadership election that is about policies and not personalities. 1/3
We must restore the SNP’s tradition of internal party democracy, open respectful debate and intellectual rigour and we must also put the welfare of everyone living in Scotland back at the heart of our endeavours. 2/3
There are some huge challenges facing our country and our government. There is also a need for reform and healing within our party. I’m looking forward to playing my role in this process. 3/3
Prof John Curtice “Nicola Sturgeon SNP’s most effective communicator by far, no obvious successor.”
As someone who doesn’t live in Scotland and isn’t a natural SNP voter, I still always thought Angus Robertson was a good speaker when he was at Westminster.
He did seem to come across well. No idea where he falls on the issues though.
That should be no barrier to expressing entrenched opinions on SNP internal politics or Scotpol in general.
Seriously, when is she going to stop? All about her, her, her.
She's resigning for personal reasons. What else would you have her talk about?
I don't like the SNP. But she has been a genuinely decent leader despite the mounting failings. I'd rather have a decent person not get everything right and decide its time they stop than a corrupt or dishonestly incompetent person who insists everything is perfect.
A fresh new leader, with a positive optimistic case for Independence, might be just what the SNP and the Independence campaign need at this time.
A lot depends on who will win through to replace her.
As long as you do not take the reins immediately after an implosion of support which damages the party brand irreparably near anyone should get a bit of a bump - with some polls showing an uncharacteristic drop in indy support, probably as a protest, a new leader should get a rise.
She’s doesn’t understand that people fear and loathe her because she is trying to destroy the United Kingdom. Of course she is polarising. What does she expect?
Self-serving short-sighted mince
Why would she care what the UK plebs outside Scotland think.
Because half of Scotland also thinks this
Silly Billy
She is LOATHED by many No voters. You know this. It’s precisely because she is a powerful and effective politician
They will be cheering her resignation with vigour
Some of the things my unionist-voting, octogenarian, usually mild-mannered Scottish neighbour says about how Sturgeon makes her feel couldn't be repeated here because they involve violence.
She’s doesn’t understand that people fear and loathe her because she is trying to destroy the United Kingdom. Of course she is polarising. What does she expect?
Self-serving short-sighted mince
Why would she care what the UK plebs outside Scotland think.
Because half of Scotland also thinks this
Silly Billy
She is LOATHED by many No voters. You know this. It’s precisely because she is a powerful and effective politician
They will be cheering her resignation with vigour
They will. And they will move on to criticising her successor. They fundamentally disagree with the SNP as I do. But politics is pretty neatly decided between those people who will be cheering her departure and those who feel the opposite.
And that is the Big Risk the SNP now face. They need to find someone who can be similarly polarising. If they don't, then the SNP are immediately diminished as a force.
Interesting that Sturgeon is talking about depolarising public debate. She has been a polarising force, dismissing women’s legitimate concerns about her reforms as “invalid” and “artificial” and unfairly accusing her opponents of stoking a culture war.
Her polarisation of the gender debate because it didn’t suit her politically to recognise it as a conflict of rights was appallingly irresponsible politics.
Going hard on the importance of “rational” debate again in response to the questions. Was it rational to dismiss women’s legitimate concerns about her own reforms as invalid and artificial?
I wonder whether the recent Jacinda Ardern resignation had any influence. I imagine Sturgeon could see that things were only going to get trickier in the short to medium term so decided that's it. It's always useful to have a recent precedent to follow even if they're the other side of the world.
A fresh new leader, with a positive optimistic case for Independence, might be just what the SNP and the Independence campaign need at this time.
A lot depends on who will win through to replace her.
Which, among the cavalcade of wit & beauty of SNP MSPs do you think might fit the bill?
I haven't the faintest clue. If you can think of a likely lad or lass then do please share.
As mentioned by @sarissa upthread Angus Robertson is probably the most experienced, but Kate Forbes is seen by some as a “coming figure” - though her religious views saw her steer well clear of the GRR bill and as a young mother may have other priorities.
Forbes is still only 32 - surely too young and inexperienced for the top job this time around?
I would love to see Kate Forbes as party leader; but she is a natural for leadership of a UK centrist values and pragmatism based party, once called One Nation Tories, now seemingly extinct.
Pure hunch, but two points:
NS has resigned for multiple reasons, including that she knows she cannot get independence in her time, accepts this and has done for some time and doesn't want to keep up the facade for ever.
Secondly, Kate Forbes won't be leader of the SNP (hope I am wrong) now or ever. Just as NS has been out LBW on the back foot by being woke, Kate Forbes would be at high risk of being wrong footed at the other end of the spectrum. By nature and conviction she is on the 'wrong' side on gays, abortion, trans, religion, wokery, meaning of life etc.
I see that they don't plan to call an Election, which is the exact opposite of what Ms Sturgeon was demanding for the UK Government when the Tories changed leader.
A few thoughts on the post Sturgeon world. Firstly this does not have the feeling of a long planned move, not least because the presser was "hurriedly arranged" and there really is no obvious successor. The announcement has come only a few weeks after the FM categorically denied having any intention to go.
So what changed? I think the GRA has been bitter, but Surgeon seemed to be facing it down a bit. So is it the luke-warm support for making the next GE a "de facto referendum" on indy? Again, she is quite capable of toughing things out. Is it worries about the campaign finance allegations against her husband? Not stopped her up until now. Is she afraid that the slight fall off in Nat support in the polls becomes a sustained decline?
The Nats have been on the back foot for a while, and the sense of invulnerability they used to have has clearly been punctured. May be quitting while ahead might give her greater influence with a weaker successor than if the setback came on her watch and she had to take the blame.
In any event it opens up an opportunity for Labour (and actually the Lib Dems too). There are a couple of local by elections coming up, lets see if they give any sense of direction.
My best guess at the moment is that there are quite a few little things starting to mount up, none of which is yet significant to force her to resign, but combined they may be having the effect of her concluding that if she doesn't resign now, she may not get the option to resign of her own volition later.
I believe Police Scotland are about to begin interviewing SNP officials, MSPs and MPs re the ‘ring fenced’ £600,000.
Can anyone explain to me why the IMF are projecting the Russian economy to grow this year? Seems weird since the energy sanctions have only just come in. Most of the government expenditure in January was borrowing. Will they be able to keep indebting themselves in the medium term?
I've not read the details but the IMF is predicting every country, not just Russia, will grow, except for Britain of course! The Russian economy might gain from increased military production and transfer of export commodities like oil to new markets which have not imposed sanctions. ETA if you poke about on the IMF website you should be able to find the report.
I wonder whether the recent Jacinda Ardern resignation had any influence. I imagine Sturgeon could see that things were only going to get trickier in the short to medium term so decided that's it. It's always useful to have a recent precedent to follow even if they're the other side of the world.
The part of her speech when she went on about whether or not she could give 100% seemed to be lifted directly from Ardern.
She’s doesn’t understand that people fear and loathe her because she is trying to destroy the United Kingdom. Of course she is polarising. What does she expect?
Self-serving short-sighted mince
Why would she care what the UK plebs outside Scotland think.
Because half of Scotland also thinks this
Silly Billy
She is LOATHED by many No voters. You know this. It’s precisely because she is a powerful and effective politician
They will be cheering her resignation with vigour
They will. And they will move on to criticising her successor. They fundamentally disagree with the SNP as I do. But politics is pretty neatly decided between those people who will be cheering her departure and those who feel the opposite.
And that is the Big Risk the SNP now face. They need to find someone who can be similarly polarising. If they don't, then the SNP are immediately diminished as a force.
Interesting take. Not sure I agree. But interesting
The big problem for the SNP is this: Sturgeon’s resignation is a tacit admission that independence is a long way away. She’d not be resigning if independence was an imminent possibility. This truth will be revealed in her aftermath, and people will then wonder what the SNP is for
I see that they don't plan to call an Election, which is the exact opposite of what Ms Sturgeon was demanding for the UK Government when the Tories changed leader.
I don't follow Scottish politics closely enough these days to have a detailed analysis of Sturgeon's time as leader. But my broad brush impression of her has always been that she is a talented politician and a decent person, two things that haven't seemed to combine effectively in many Westminster politicians recently. I've never liked the SNP, although I can certainly see a case for Scottish independence, and I didn't like her predecessor, but I have always had time for her. She will be a big loss for the SNP and her exit opens the way to a more meaningful Scottish Labour recovery, which I would aplaud. Respect to her anyway, her exit is a big moment in Scottish and UK politics. Some of the criticism of her on here feels a bit small.
What if disgruntled Corbyn supporters decide to set up a new party . Or if Corbyn does . Of course they would do that in the knowledge that they would likely facilitate another Tory government .
And a Labour government under Ramsay MacStarmer would be what exactly?
I'd love to see Corbyn take out Starmer the way Shinwell took out MacDonald in 1935 in Seaham. But he's likely to choose Islington North rather than Holborn and St Pancras because of the contacts, goodwill, and strong support he has in the former... That said, the distance for activists to travel wouldn't be far at all. If there's an actual party and they want to field a candidate in H&StP then Corbyn's on the list of possibles.
A fresh new leader, with a positive optimistic case for Independence, might be just what the SNP and the Independence campaign need at this time.
A lot depends on who will win through to replace her.
As long as you do not take the reins immediately after an implosion of support which damages the party brand irreparably near anyone should get a bit of a bump - with some polls showing an uncharacteristic drop in indy support, probably as a protest, a new leader should get a rise.
Generally, I would agree with this.
But, both Salmond (tho' flawed) and Sturgeon are very remarkable politicians.
The SNP will be doing well to find a successor even half as good as them.
Maybe the SNP will -- I don't live in England, so I am not a natural born expert on Scottish politics
ATM there are three big beast parties in the UK: Con, Lab and SNP. This may be a unique moment. As of now (today, up to noon) Labour's reputation is by miles the cleanest and dullest of the three.
Can anyone explain to me why the IMF are projecting the Russian economy to grow this year? Seems weird since the energy sanctions have only just come in. Most of the government expenditure in January was borrowing. Will they be able to keep indebting themselves in the medium term?
A number of official reasons to do with energy prices and (implausible) exchange rates - but mostly that the IMF has no mechanism to challenge the Russian government’s own figures that are being reported, as to how wonderful is their economy at the moment.
I lack the knowledge to be able to write a thread header on it but it would be good to see someone do a piece on the detail of how this affects Starmer's chances for an overall majority. My uninformed view, given the popularity of Sturgeon amongst a large section of the left leaning electorate in Scotland, is that almost no matter who takes over, Labour are going to see a significant improvement in their vote share and associated increase in seats.
We have always said that one of the most important traits of a successful PM is that they are lucky. I think Starmer benefits greatly from that today.
Not at once IMO - the successor will get the usual bounce. But by Oct 24, yes.
Anti-independentists previously: Sturgeon is an idiot, a complete imbecile, damaging her cause by her simple presence.
Anti-independentists now: she was a titan, a powerful and effective politician, independence will be set back by her absence.
But that simply isn’t true. I’m a strong unionist and I’ve never doubted Sturgeon’s ability. It’s one reason I abhor her. She’s highly capable AND wants to destroy my country
In retrospect I think Salmond is the better and smarter politician but both are impressive
I don’t know any sane unionist on here that believes Sturgeon is or was a feeble operator. Quite the opposite
Get a sense the SNP is about to descend into massive infighting. She is such a loss to them
If NS is submitting her resignation today, a new FM has to be appointed by 15 March. The SNP special conference on the way forward for the Indy campaign is on 19 March.
Further thought: Sturgeon’s departure means she does not expect the SNP to hold the balance of power at the next Westminster election. She’d hang on for that. She is resigned to Starmer winning
Anti-independentists previously: Sturgeon is an idiot, a complete imbecile, damaging her cause by her simple presence.
Anti-independentists now: she was a titan, a powerful and effective politician, independence will be set back by her absence.
But that simply isn’t true. I’m a strong unionist and I’ve never doubted Sturgeon’s ability. It’s one reason I abhor her. She’s highly capable AND wants to destroy my country
In retrospect I think Salmond is the better and smarter politician but both are impressive
I don’t know any sane unionist on here that believes Sturgeon is or was a feeble operator. Quite the opposite
I'm sure some do, but as a unionist the effectiveness of SNP leaders has been a long source of consternation. I'm far from optimistic we'll be so fortunate as to get an SNP Truss.
Anti-independentists previously: Sturgeon is an idiot, a complete imbecile, damaging her cause by her simple presence.
Anti-independentists now: she was a titan, a powerful and effective politician, independence will be set back by her absence.
But that simply isn’t true. I’m a strong unionist and I’ve never doubted Sturgeon’s ability. It’s one reason I abhor her. She’s highly capable AND wants to destroy my country
In retrospect I think Salmond is the better and smarter politician but both are impressive
I don’t know any sane unionist on here that believes Sturgeon is or was a feeble operator. Quite the opposite
I'm sure some do, but as a unionist the effectiveness of SNP leaders has been a long source of consternation. I'm far from optimistic we'll be so fortunate as to get an SNP Truss.
The chances of a third excellent leader in a row are vanishingly small. Be of good cheer
It may be someone OK like Robertson. But the Nits need more than “OK”
Can anyone explain to me why the IMF are projecting the Russian economy to grow this year? Seems weird since the energy sanctions have only just come in. Most of the government expenditure in January was borrowing. Will they be able to keep indebting themselves in the medium term?
A number of official reasons to do with energy prices and (implausible) exchange rates - but mostly that the IMF has no mechanism to challenge the Russian government’s own figures that are being reported, as to how wonderful is their economy at the moment.
ATM there are three big beast parties in the UK: Con, Lab and SNP. This may be a unique moment. As of now (today, up to noon) Labour's reputation is by miles the cleanest and dullest of the three.
Can this last?
Which is interesting, because Labour has not been without its own bad apples. Jared O'Mara, the peterborough MP etc. I think its partly what grabs the media attention, more than any inherent 'cleaner' nature. Plus both the Tories and the SNP have been in power, which gives better access to opportunities to commit dodgy stuff...
It was a tough gig to follow Salmond but Sturgeon managed it to be fair to her. Whoever takes on the role has a tough old job. Is Angus Robertson up to it ? Not sure tbh.
That was a truly remarkable resignation statement by Nicola Sturgeon. Whether or not you back her ideas and convictions, she has been one of the most important politicians of this generation. Her call for less irrationality and hysteria in politics should be heeded
Can anyone explain to me why the IMF are projecting the Russian economy to grow this year? Seems weird since the energy sanctions have only just come in. Most of the government expenditure in January was borrowing. Will they be able to keep indebting themselves in the medium term?
A number of official reasons to do with energy prices and (implausible) exchange rates - but mostly that the IMF has no mechanism to challenge the Russian government’s own figures that are being reported, as to how wonderful is their economy at the moment.
Continued influx of Western goods via Georgia?
Good question. Trying to get an understanding of sanctions evasion would be a useful exercise for the IMF to conduct.
My suspicion is that most Western goods in Russia are Chinese copies heading over that border. Most of the branded goods factories in China, have had for years an informal night shift running to supply the domestic market at discounted prices.
The really interesting research would be around capital equipment. For how long can Russia keep Western oil & gas rigs pumping, and planes flying, without formal external support?
For the first time, I am predicting a Labour majority.
It's been obvious since September that Labour would win the next election with a majority?
Ah, ignore him. He's been loudly predicting 30 point poll leads for weeks, you can't do that and expect people to think that doesn't translate to winning a comfortable majority whenever the election comes.
For the first time, I am predicting a Labour majority.
Starmer will certainly be pleased by the news of Sturgeon's resignation.
FPTP has problems with a three party system and thrives on a two party one. Scottish party politics is complicated and a tiny bit touched by personal rivalries and hatreds that can only be generated in a small country where everyone with some power knows everyone else with some power; but on the whole Scottish opinion would be better served if it had either:
Two big parties (SNP and moderate Labour) for nearly everyone to choose from with a 40%+ base and everyone else on the fringe or four big parties, 2 for independence and two for the union, with 20+% base each.
Comments
If they want it, there are enough to have a significant voice.
It would be a sure fire winner.
We have always said that one of the most important traits of a successful PM is that they are lucky. I think Starmer benefits greatly from that today.
- Not a reaction to short term pressures (they’re always there)
- Longer term assessment “is carrying on right for me, for country, party, independence”?
- Giving everything of yourself to your job is only way to do it - takes its toll on you & those around you. Only recently taken account of that.
- Blocking SINDYRef “democratic outrage” - so “pretendyref” is her view of way ahead - and Conference will decide - but I wouldn’t be there to implement it.
- Believes there is majority support for independence - but to solidify need new leader to reach across to undecided/unpersuaded.
- Issues being distorted by Sturgeon’s entrenched image, so her not being there will help improve debate.
- Continuing in politics - young children & independence - will be there as independence is won.
- Cause of independence bigger than any one individual.
- List of improvements in Scotland.
- Going to back benches.
- (Fact checkers will be poring over this list…)
- Thanks husband & family, SNP, people of Scotland
TLDR : “personal reasons”.
Next Indyvote August 2047. Start yer campaigning now!
Although the Sunak government was opposed to the measure, let's remember that the justification for stopping it was the potential impact on the rest of the UK. It was a legal matter.
They will be cheering her resignation with vigour
We must restore the SNP’s tradition of internal party democracy, open respectful debate and intellectual rigour and we must also put the welfare of everyone living in Scotland back at the heart of our endeavours. 2/3
There are some huge challenges facing our country and our government. There is also a need for reform and healing within our party. I’m looking forward to playing my role in this process. 3/3
https://twitter.com/joannaccherry/status/1625817307971743746
Two narrow little nationalists in the same pod.
I don't like the SNP. But she has been a genuinely decent leader despite the mounting failings. I'd rather have a decent person not get everything right and decide its time they stop than a corrupt or dishonestly incompetent person who insists everything is perfect.
NEW: Anas Sarwar says he does not regret supporting the SNP/Green Government on gender reform bill
https://twitter.com/paulhutcheon/status/1625774179726368768
And that is the Big Risk the SNP now face. They need to find someone who can be similarly polarising. If they don't, then the SNP are immediately diminished as a force.
Her polarisation of the gender debate because it didn’t suit her politically to recognise it as a conflict of rights was appallingly irresponsible politics.
Going hard on the importance of “rational” debate again in response to the questions. Was it rational to dismiss women’s legitimate concerns about her own reforms as invalid and artificial?
https://twitter.com/soniasodha/status/1625820544112156674
Pure hunch, but two points:
NS has resigned for multiple reasons, including that she knows she cannot get independence in her time, accepts this and has done for some time and doesn't want to keep up the facade for ever.
Secondly, Kate Forbes won't be leader of the SNP (hope I am wrong) now or ever. Just as NS has been out LBW on the back foot by being woke, Kate Forbes would be at high risk of being wrong footed at the other end of the spectrum. By nature and conviction she is on the 'wrong' side on gays, abortion, trans, religion, wokery, meaning of life etc.
https://twitter.com/GlennBBC/status/1625824995728408577?s=20
The big problem for the SNP is this: Sturgeon’s resignation is a tacit admission that independence is a long way away. She’d not be resigning if independence was an imminent possibility. This truth will be revealed in her aftermath, and people will then wonder what the SNP is for
Strong on women's rights; clearly wants independence.
I'd love to see Corbyn take out Starmer the way Shinwell took out MacDonald in 1935 in Seaham. But he's likely to choose Islington North rather than Holborn and St Pancras because of the contacts, goodwill, and strong support he has in the former... That said, the distance for activists to travel wouldn't be far at all. If there's an actual party and they want to field a candidate in H&StP then Corbyn's on the list of possibles.
How about re-establishing the ILP?
The FM needs to be in Hollyrood.
But, both Salmond (tho' flawed) and Sturgeon are very remarkable politicians.
The SNP will be doing well to find a successor even half as good as them.
Maybe the SNP will -- I don't live in England, so I am not a natural born expert on Scottish politics
Can this last?
Anti-independentists now: she was a titan, a powerful and effective politician, independence will be set back by her absence.
We will continue to work closely with the @scotgov on our joint efforts to deliver for people across Scotland.
https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1625827396938084353
Both can be simultaneously true, as some have argued about Boris Johnson for example.
In retrospect I think Salmond is the better and smarter politician but both are impressive
I don’t know any sane unionist on here that believes Sturgeon is or was a feeble operator. Quite the opposite
https://news.sky.com/video/nicola-sturgeon-joins-calls-for-general-election-12725630
Interesting times ahead.
The SNP are damaged by her going.
Less sure about Indy, but it's still not going to happen
It may be someone OK like Robertson. But the Nits need more than “OK”
Yes we can all find plenty of examples of it being true, but its not a universal rule.
https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1625819119453888513
Not sure tbh.
Not sure history will be kind.
That was a truly remarkable resignation statement by Nicola Sturgeon. Whether or not you back her ideas and convictions, she has been one of the most important politicians of this generation. Her call for less irrationality and hysteria in politics should be heeded
https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1625819119453888513
2015 general election night was fun seeing Labour seat after seat crash in Scotland...
My suspicion is that most Western goods in Russia are Chinese copies heading over that border. Most of the branded goods factories in China, have had for years an informal night shift running to supply the domestic market at discounted prices.
The really interesting research would be around capital equipment. For how long can Russia keep Western oil & gas rigs pumping, and planes flying, without formal external support?
Two big parties (SNP and moderate Labour) for nearly everyone to choose from with a 40%+ base and everyone else on the fringe
or four big parties, 2 for independence and two for the union, with 20+% base each.