Nicola Sturgeon quitting as FM

Forgot to add, various people on the news think that her leaving could mean the demand to leave the union will now sink.

I was out most of yesterday and didn't see the thread so was surprised this morning that there was no thread on Nicola Sturgeon's decision to step down!

I'd say she's probably run out of steam after something like 16 years as Deputy/FM. She's suffered a lot of personal abuse, even prior to the gender controversy, and no doubt that took its toll on her well-being.

How this will affect the SNP and its goal I have no idea for the immediate future, but think they will re-group and gather momentum if they elect someone as effective as Sturgeon

I don't know enough about Scottish politics to suggest who will take over and how a new leader will affect the Independence cause, as NS dominated everything. The transgender issue is likely to be be shelved which is a victory for common sense.

This is an important issue which was derailed yesterday.
I think NS has done the right thing. When you feel you have no more to give then it's for the best that you leave. I admire her for not hanging on as other politicians have done when they should have gone.
A feisty little lady - good luck to her.

I think it would be better to restart this thread without the OP mentioning previous threads or previous posters

I am not sure this thread won't go the same way and it risks losing valuable contributions again

It won’t if nobody comments on the other matter. Let’s stick to Nicola Sturgeons resignation. All agreed ??

No, I think it reminds us all to keep on topic.
Good call Oreo!
It is a very important happening.

Agreed Forsthia.
X posts! Just to clarify, I was actually replying to VioletSky

I know x

I think Brexit did a lot of good for the SNP and Sturgeon was able to capitalise on this - remember how they were threatened with being outside the EU prior to the 2014 Independence vote?

Also the various Tory calamities e.g. Bozzer and Truss were in the SNP's favour - but somehow things were lost, can't all have been the gender debate.

This is funny

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/d0f3356c-ad4d-11ed-9cb3-80326348937b?shareToken=7ba275058893864602d9abf366ea1844

I am glad you started this thread with an explanation of why the other thread has been deleted oreo I could not understand why there was only one page.
As I said on the previous thread, I have a lot of respect for Nicola Sturgeon her communication during the pandemic was exemplary.

No Boz, not funny at all.

I agree Ilovecheese, we owe her a lot of respect for what she has done and how she did it. Even those who did not always agree with her.

I can only hope her departure means the likelihood of Scotland leaving the union is on the back burner.

I think we are stronger together and leaving the EU has shown what a minefield leaving can be.

This is exactly because of what a minefield leaving against your wishes has been, that it is not likely to be put on back burner!

I felt she was a strong advocate for a female politician who was impassioned about her beliefs and led from the front. She was/is a divisive character but, as a woman who got to the top, she should be admired however grudgingly. Politics is not an easy career for a woman. Her politics did not impact me directly as I live in England.

GrannyGravy13

I can only hope her departure means the likelihood of Scotland leaving the union is on the back burner.

I think we are stronger together and leaving the EU has shown what a minefield leaving can be.

Er, so why were we not 'stronger together' in the EU?

I doubt if leaving the Union is on the back burner.

I live in Scotland and I realise this isn't representative at all but I mentioned NS to my hairdresser today and he was incensed by her allowing those convicted transgender rapists to be confined in a women's jail.

I tried to tell him that once NS knew she put a stop to it but he was adamant that she agreed with it. So there, by a majority of one, her popularity was gone.

Who would be a politician? or a hairdresser

The papers have had a field day over this, I notice.

AGAA4
I agree with your comment.
I think NS has done the right thing. When you feel you have no more to give then it's for the best that you leave. I admire her for not hanging on as other politicians have done when they should have gone.
Though I don’t doubt the speculation and the investigative reports will come forward with more reasons for her departure.

Forsythia

I felt she was a strong advocate for a female politician who was impassioned about her beliefs and led from the front. She was/is a divisive character but, as a woman who got to the top, she should be admired however grudgingly. Politics is not an easy career for a woman. Her politics did not impact me directly as I live in England.

I admire anyone who stands for parliament under the circumstances.

Their private lives are no longer private, their families are under scrutiny also, not a career I would aspire to.

Nancy Pelosi went through the same trauma; death threats and then the attack on her husband when they were looking for her. She looked drained,as did NS, before she left.

GrannyGravy13

I can only hope her departure means the likelihood of Scotland leaving the union is on the back burner.

I think we are stronger together and leaving the EU has shown what a minefield leaving can be.

I'm not sure because the Scottish National Party policy is independence for Scotland, isn't it? No doubt someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
However, it might not play quite such a prominent part and perhaps those Scots who do not want independence may feel that other, more urgent, issues may receive more attention now.
Perhaps if the UK does manage to reforge some closer links with the EU then Scottish independence might be abandoned altogether.

Ms Sturgeon did look very strained recently and, if she has had threats, those making such vile threats must be found and prosecuted.

Riverwalk

GrannyGravy13

I can only hope her departure means the likelihood of Scotland leaving the union is on the back burner.

I think we are stronger together and leaving the EU has shown what a minefield leaving can be.

Er, so why were we not 'stronger together' in the EU?

I doubt if leaving the Union is on the back burner.

Er, so why were we not 'stronger together' in the EU?
I thought that was what GrannyGravy said?

Or is leaving the EU not a minefield?

twitter.com/NicolaSturgeon/status/1625978484076998659?t=08k-GX2zGFoMv-t9pm9XQQ&s=19

Nicola Sturgeon outlines her future plans and Frank gets the door.