The Scottish National Party campaign for a second independence referendum could be delayed significantly in light of Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation.
Sturgeon announced her surprise resignation as First Minister this week, saying: “In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. That it’s right for me, for my party and my country.”
But she vouched that she would not shy away from her campaign for Scottish independence, insisting: “While I am stepping down from leadership, I am not leaving politics.”
She continued later: “Winning independence is the cause I have dedicated a lifetime to. It is a cause I believe in with every fibre of my being.
It has been suggested it could be five years before they are able to present the vote to the Scottish people.
Jane Barlow
“And it is a cause I am convinced is being won.
“I intend to be there – as it is won – every step of the way.
But several notable figures in the party have suggested that her resignation could have stemmed their efforts to hold another referendum in the country.
Some have suggested it could be five years before they are able to present the vote to the Scottish people.
Plans for a conference to discuss details of using the next election as a “de facto referendum” were scrapped on Thursday.
Last week, polling indicated Sturgeon had failed to keep Scottish voters on side with her plans.
A Panelbase survey found 42 per cent of respondents thought she should stand down now, while 45 per cent said she should remain as First Minister at until at least the next Holyrood election.
Of those surveyed, 13 per cent said they didn’t know.
Senior sources have admitted that it would be “unrealistic” to propose another referendum until the party gained a clear majority in the upcoming elections.
Another said: “The special conference has to be paused until a new leader is elected.
Polling indicates Sturgeon has failed to keep Scottish voters on side with her plans.
Jane Barlow
Speaking to The Guardian they continued: “The focus needs to move away from the process around a referendum to sustaining popular support for independence.”
One source said that members would not support a delayed referendum and would push candidates in the leadership contest to support a timetable that fast tracked it.
A Sturgeon supporter said: “Talking about process for five years will be utterly pointless. We want a leader who will communicate their vision for independence and excite people.”
Voting for the new leader of the SNP will open on March 13 and close on March 27.
