Nicola Sturgeon's 'Jacinda Ardern moment'?

Photo by CoWomen on Unsplash

Nicola Sturgeon, may never have been so adored as when she told the world she was walking away from it all…from Bute House, official residence of Scotland’s first minister; from the power; the (intermittent) glory and the chance to decide the future of 5.45 million people.

After her shock announcement on February 15, seasoned journalists tweeted appreciatively about Ms Sturgeon’s excellent communications skills, her (apparent) candour, her self-awareness and the breadth and range of what she read and absorbed.

Politicians — even those at odds with her (or especially those at odds with her?) — commended Ms Sturgeon’s eight and a half years of service as first minister. One and all, they hailed (or inwardly spat at) her skills as a master political operator.

The punditocracy found much to say. At least one elections expert said the change in the Scottish National Party (SNP) leader could boost the fortunes of Scottish Labour and thereby Scottish Labour leader An…