The Rest Is Politics: Leading 150. Nicola Sturgeon: What Really Happened In The Scottish Referendum (Part 2)
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Aug 24, 2025 
Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland and leader of the SNP, discusses the highs and lows of the Scottish independence referendum. She shares insights on the media's influence and why she finds spin rooms pointless. The conversation addresses the growing concern of misogyny in politics, especially with the rise of social media. Sturgeon reflects on her interactions with various Prime Ministers, critiques political strategies post-referendum, and emphasizes the need for genuine dialogue about gender dynamics in the political arena.
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Referendum Blocked By Westminster Power
- Sturgeon believes Westminster simply refused a second referendum and legal questions later confirmed limits on Scottish unilateral action.
- She says political pressure must build so Westminster cannot sustainably block a future vote.
Shift Political Balance Not Just Legal Tactics
- Build a political majority where independence is urgently desired so Westminster cannot refuse a referendum.
- Focus on shifting political advantage rather than seeking legal shortcuts that will end up in court.
Populists Win With Simple, Relatable Messaging
- Sturgeon describes differing rapport with UK prime ministers and labels Boris Johnson a 'charlatan' who treated politics as comedy.
- She connects the appeal of figures like Johnson to clear, relatable communication that others often fail to match.