The New York TimesThe New York Times

If Scotland's admired leader could not deliver independence, can anyone?

By Stephen Castle

16 Feb 2023 · 5 min read

Editor's Note

Nicola Sturgeon's resignation leaves Scots who want independence from the U.K. with no clear path for attaining it. The NYT reports on Scottish nationalists' lack of "room for maneuver.”

LONDON — Passionate, professional and a top-notch communicator, Nicola Sturgeon was not just the dominant figure of Scottish politics, but someone whose opinion poll ratings were the envy of fellow politicians during most of her eight years as Scotland’s leader.

So, her sudden and unexpected resignation Wednesday has raised an awkward question for her pro-independence Scottish National Party: If Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish Parliament, could not mastermind Scotland’s exit from the United Kingdom, can anyone else?

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