SNP’s unintended consequences
Rarely has there been a better example of unintended consequences than Nicola Sturgeon' s decision to stand down as First Minister.
It has thrown the SNP into chaos and wrong-footed the party managers. She must be privately aghast at the underwhelming trio of candidates vying to succeed her.
Kate Forbes is clearly the brightest, but apart from looking like she has just left the sixth form, has little credibility to be First Minister.
Ash Regan has even less and her strategy for government doesn't stand up to scrutiny.
That leaves hapless Humza, who failed in all three ministerial posts he has held and will surely fail again. If he is elected it will be a gift to the pro-Union parties in Holyrood! Nicola Sturgeon has been the face of Scottish politics for some considerable time and much of the support for the SNP is due to the strength of her personality rather than her policies.
With her standing down, much of that support will simply melt away, probably migrating back to Scottish Labour. This trend may well be influenced by a reinvigorated Westminster Labour Party who have increasing belief in toppling the Tories at the next general election.
Either way, the future political complexion of Holyrood is likewise to be much changed. The dramatic loss of SNP membership which, if reflected across the Scottish electorate, would indicate the SNP will lose several marginal seats, possibly losing its dominant position.
Worse still for the SNP, a new administration could be formed by a coalition of two of pro-Union parties, thereby forcing the SNP out of power.
It has to be the height of irony that for the lady who has championed independence for eight years but delivered nothing, her decision to leave so abruptly results in Scotland's place in the UK confirmed and the case for independence pushed to the fringes of Scottish politics.
Kate Forbes is clearly the brightest, but looking like she has just left the sixth form, has little credibility
Colin Rorison, Penicuik