Can SNP renew push for Scottish independence after Nicola Sturgeon?

The nationalist party has reached an impasse in its all-consuming cause. Adam Forrest takes a closer look at what lies ahead for its next leader

Nicola Sturgeon has left the political stage (PA)

The Scottish National Party was supposed to be a tightly run ship. The unflappable crew always appeared entirely unified about the course Nicola Sturgeon had charted towards Scottish independence. But the captain’s decision to walk the plank into political retirement has exposed a rowdy mess happening below deck.

It has been all at sea during the past six weeks. Someone will have the tough task of grabbing the wheel and drawing up a new direction, not just for the party, but for the country and the independence movement, when Sturgeon’s replacement is announced on Monday afternoon.

Candidates who clashed repeatedly throughout the campaign will have to find a way to work together after a six-week-long argument, the vehemence of which seemed to shock even Sturgeon, who described the contest as “fractious”. Interim chief executive Mike Russell admitted the party was in a “tremendous mess”.