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Nicola Sturgeon’s recent announcement that she will not pursue re-election as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) in the upcoming Holyrood elections marks the end of a significant 27-year journey in active politics. Following this decision, the Scottish media has burst with reflections on her contributions as the nation’s first female and longest-serving First Minister.
While her choice to step down was anticipated, given her declining public presence, it provides a moment to reflect on her impact and the direction she has shaped for Scotland both historically and looking ahead.
Having observed Sturgeon’s career for a decade, the enthusiasm of the crowd at Glasgow’s Hydro arena during her 2014 rally comes to mind; she sold out the venue akin to performances by pop icons in the same year she assumed leadership of the SNP. From that moment, her commitment to engaging with diverse voices, including ensuring that younger women were heard in discussions, became apparent. Her emotional response last year during questioning at the UK Covid-19 inquiry exemplified her human side amidst the political arena.
At 54, Sturgeon remains relatively young for a politician, prompting discussions about her legacy. Despite this, the recent ongoing inquiry into SNP finances—following her resignation as First Minister in 2023—and legal troubles involving her husband, Peter Murrell, add nuance to her historical narrative.
Since her announcement on social media, opposition parties in Holyrood have been quick to portray her legacy as one of division and shortcomings, but this portrayal only tells part of the story.
Sturgeon arguably gained electoral advantage from the aftermath of the 2014 referendum, which solidified support for independence and fragmented unionist votes among various parties. However, this connection between constitutional preference and voting began to unravel, culminating in the SNP’s substantial defeat in the previous general election. Despite that setback, recent polls indicate a resurgence for the SNP in Holyrood.
Her political standing, nevertheless, faced challenges; loyal supporters often refrained from critique, while critics highlighted her missteps. Sturgeon has publicly acknowledged the polarizing nature of her leadership as a factor in her decision to resign. Her time in office has been marred by extraordinary challenges, not the least of which were the COVID-19 pandemic, the inquiry related to sexual assault allegations against former First Minister Alex Salmond, and contentious gender recognition reforms.
Her communication during the pandemic garnered widespread admiration, yet the inquiry into the UK’s Covid response revealed troubling aspects of her leadership style, characterized by a lack of transparency and a tendency for isolation in decision-making processes, potentially at the cost of her personal well-being.
Her involvement in the inquiry regarding Salmond raised questions about accountability and the dynamics of power, particularly in the context of a woman leading in a traditionally male-dominated environment. Both she and her husband seemed to underestimate the complexities introduced by their personal relationship at the helm of a political party.
Accusations of abandoning feminist principles over her gender recognition initiatives compounded her difficulties, particularly as unexpected backlash emerged amid a broader cultural discourse. Critics pointed to unmet promises regarding educational equity and drug-related fatalities, alongside her perceived hesitance to confront established interests within the healthcare sector or capitalize on the unity generated by the independence movement post-referendum.
While Sturgeon has celebrated accomplishments like the establishment of the Scottish child payment and expanded childcare provisions, critiques emphasize that the administrative realities often fell short of the rhetoric that defined her tenure. The inconsistent availability of extended childcare options, for instance, became a point of contention.
However, many younger activists recognize the symbolic importance of her leadership, as she has transformed visibility and representation in governance. Sturgeon demonstrated that political discourse could exist outside the conventional combative style associated with Westminster by openly discussing issues such as feminism and societal challenges rarely addressed by male politicians.
The burden of trailblazing comes with elevated expectations, particularly for someone positioned at the nexus of identity politics and governance. Sturgeon’s leadership remained rooted in the ambition for independence rather than encompassing a broader social agenda, which may complicate her legacy.
Currently, Sturgeon’s Instagram account showcases her adaptations to life beyond politics, embracing ordinary experiences that she expressed had become increasingly elusive. Her post-political journey appears to involve mingling with cultural icons and participating in literary events.
As writers and analysts prepare for the release of her forthcoming memoir—a “deeply personal” reflection on her life—there’s a palpable sense of anticipation regarding the insights she may share. The narrative surrounding her will undoubtedly persist, given the complex ways her leadership continues to resonate in Scottish politics and society.
Source
www.theguardian.com