SNP may not push for IndyRef2 until 2028 as party rows breaks out after Sturgeon's resignation

The SNP's campaign for a second independence referendum could be delayed by five years.
The SNP's campaign for a second independence referendum could be delayed by five years.
Andrew Milligan
George McMillan

By George McMillan


Published: 17/02/2023

- 12:39

Updated: 17/02/2023

- 12:48

Sturgeon vouched that she would continue her campaign for independence

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.

File photo dated 23/11/22 of people attending a rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, as the SNP has announced new plans to introduce a bill to allow Scotland to decide on independence.
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.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh where she has announced that she will stand down as First Minister of Scotland after eight years. Picture date: Wednesday February 15, 2023.
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.

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