A common explanation for Nicola Sturgeon’s current problems, especially amongst erstwhile supporters, is that the years in high office have taken a toll. The SNP leader insists that she still has “plenty in the tank” and there is no reason to disbelieve her. There is ample evidence that she remains on top of her game. The problem is which game.

To rapturous applause in October 2017, Nicola Sturgeon promised that “by the end of this Parliament – we will set up a publicly owned, not for profit energy company”. It never happened.  It proved, according to the minister left to explain its abandonment, “very, very challenging to do under devolution”.  Perhaps, but government ought to have known this before a commitment was made.

The ferries saga is another example of seeking a headline without due consideration to delivery. The ease and professionalism with which announcements were made contrast starkly with the incompetent manner in what followed.

In announcing a review of adult social care with the aim of creating a National Care Service (NCS) in September 2020, the SNP leader invoked the creation of the National Health Service “born out of the tragedy of World War Two.”  Even the name was designed to invoke comparison. While the founder of the NHS used every rhetorical device available in pursuit of its establishment, enormous effort, engagement, listening and negotiating with those left to deliver the service went into the development of the service. Political commitments and strong advocacy are essential, but the follow-up is when the hard work really begins. Nicola Sturgeon is no Nye Bevan.

The announcement that the next UK election would be treated as a “de facto referendum” last June appears to have awakened many in her party to Nicola Sturgeon’s weakness for grandstanding. There are so many obvious problems that even otherwise loyal supporters of the SNP leader have raised concerns, though it took time for private concerns inside the SNP to find a public voice. She has had to resort to the uncharacteristic device of allowing her party to hold a special conference in the hope of getting out of this deep hole.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Health Matters