Was Nicola Sturgeon's Resignation Expected by the Scottish and UK Public?

For it to happen now, it was bound to happen sooner or later. We all knew that she is a human and that a common sense tells you that she was going to resign or retire at some point.

Uneven Reception Across Scotland and UK

Yes, and no. I don’t know anyone who expected her to resign this week, but there had been enough murmurs and rumors to expect that she would resign in the not-too-distant future. However, she could have held out for another six months to a year. For some, especially those close to her political journey, the resignation was undoubtedly a surprise, but for others, it was an inevitability.

The Politician’s Motivation for Departure

For a typical politician, both male and female, if things don't go their way, they often decide to “cut their losses” and leave. However, her departure shouldn't be seen as a cause for undue sympathy. An eight-year stint in office is an admirable feat. As Sturgeon steps down, so does the hopelessly stalled independence problem that has tarnished her legacy. She will undeniably keep her political influence and earn a significant income through speeches and her say. There is no need to pity her.

Declining Popularity and Resignation

Not really. I have relatives in Aberdeen, and over the past couple of years, I developed a distinct impression through my conversations with them that Sturgeon had become about as popular as a fart in a spacesuit. It had been a case of living on borrowed time for quite some while. Hence, the resignation didn’t come as a surprise. In fact, there was an air of inevitability about it.

Sturgeon's Political Record and Stance on Independence

Despite her strong stance on independence, her record on broader political issues isn’t without criticism. There were cracks in her invulnerability that had been evident for a couple of years. While she did well during the pandemic, her performance in healthcare and education has left much to be desired. The argument for independence has stalled, and some decisions, like the court case over the referendum, were obvious non-starters and a huge waste of money. The plan to make the next general election a “de facto referendum” was popular within her party but was seen as a misstep by the public at large.

Conclusion: End of a Major Chapter

The writing was on the wall. Nicola Sturgeon has been a formidable politician, no doubt about that. But while she managed to hold on for an eight-year period, her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Scottish and UK politics. As she steps down, the focus will shift to new leadership and potential changes in policy direction.