Nicola Sturgeon

Newly elected leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) John Swinney delivers his acceptance speech at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC) of the Glasgow University, in Glasgow, Monday, May 6, 2024, after he was confirmed as the SNP's new leader. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

John Swinney expected to lead Scotland after taking the helm of the Scottish National Party

A former head of the Scottish National Party is expected to be Scotland’s next leader. John Swinney was confirmed Monday as leader of the SNP after no other candidate came forward.

FILE - Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon poses for the media with husband Peter Murrell, outside polling station in Glasgow, Scotland, on Dec. 12, 2019. The husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been re-arrested in a probe into the finances of Scotland's pro-independence governing party. Police Scotland said a 59-year-old man had been taken into custody on Thursday, April 18, 2024 and was being questioned by detectives. While police did not name the suspect, the details provided matched up with Peter Murrell, the party's ex-chief executive who was first arrested over a year ago. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)

Husband of former Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon charged with embezzlement in party finance probe

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon arrives for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry hearing at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) in Edinburgh, Scotland, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. The Scottish leader during the COVID-19 pandemic has admitted that she did delete WhatsApp messages but insisted that anything of relevance to how policymaking was conducted had been made available for the public record. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

Teary ex-Scottish leader admits to feeling ‘overwhelmed’ during COVID-19 pandemic

FILE - Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly Prime Ministers' Questions session at parliament in London, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson deliberately misled Parliament about the lockdown-flouting parties that undermined his credibility and contributed to his downfall, a committee of lawmakers said Thursday, June 15, 2023 after a year-long investigation. AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)

What to know as the falls of Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon roil UK politics

FILE - Nicola Sturgeon speaks during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh, Wednesday, Feb. 15 2023. Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been arrested by police investigating the finances of Scotland's pro-independence governing party. Police Scotland said a 52-year-old woman was detained Sunday “as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.” (Jane Barlow/Pool photo via AP, File)

Ex-Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon released after arrest by police in party finance probe

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Here’s the latest for Saturday, June 10: An elevated section of Interstate 95 collapses near Philadelphia; Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is arrested; New details on the Amazon plane crash survivors; Ukraine’s military reported recapturing a village as Russian forces claimed to have repelled the attacks.

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FILE - Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon poses for the media with husband Peter Murrell, outside polling station in Glasgow, Scotland, on Dec. 12, 2019. Scotland police say the treasurer of the Scottish National Party has been arrested in a party finance probe. Colin Beattie, a member of Scottish Parliament, was arrested Tuesday, April 18, 2023 in an investigation into how 600,000 pounds ($745,000) designated for a Scottish independence campaign was spent. The arrest comes two weeks after the party's executive director was taken into custody and released without charges. The executive director, Peter Murrell, is the husband of former Scottish first minister and party leader Nicola Sturgeon. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)

Scottish National Party treasurer arrested in finance probe

Scotland police say the treasurer of the Scottish National Party has been arrested in a party finance probe.

FILE - Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon poses for the media with husband Peter Murrell, outside polling station in Glasgow, Scotland, on Dec. 12, 2019. British media are reporting that the husband of former Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon has been arrested in a party finance probe on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)

Ex-Scottish leader’s husband arrested in party finance probe

British media says the husband of former Scottish first minister and Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon has been released without charges after being arrested in a party finance probe.

Outgoing Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon leaves the main chamber after her last First Minister's Questions (FMQs) in the main chamber of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Thursday March 23, 2023. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

Scotland’s Sturgeon exits with pride, brickbats from critics

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has addressed lawmakers for the last time as Scottish leader. She expressed pride in her government’s achievements to lessen poverty and inequality.

From left, SNP leadership candidates Ash Regan, Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes taking part in the SNP leadership debate in Inverness, Scotland, Friday, March 17, 2023. The Scottish National Party is finding out that Nicola Sturgeon is a hard act to follow. Scotland’s governing party is choosing a replacement for a leader who came to dominate Scottish politics but hit an impasse in the campaign for independence from the United Kingdom, and split the party with a transgender rights law. (Paul Campbell/PA via AP)

Scottish independence at crossroads in testy SNP leader race

The race to lead the Scottish National Party has cracked open fissures over political strategy, social issues and the legacy of departing leader Nicola Sturgeon.

This combo shows from left, lawmaker Ash Regan, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, who have all secured sufficient backing to put their names on the ballot to be the next SNP leader and Scottish first minister, Feb. 24, 2023. (Jane Barlow/Andrew Milligan/PA via AP)

3 contenders running to replace Sturgeon as Scottish leader

Three members of the Scottish parliament will battle to become leader of the governing Scottish National Party.

Kate Forbes arrives at the BBC studios in Glasgow, Scotland, Monday Feb. 20, 2023, confirming she is entering the race to succeed Nicola Sturgeon. Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, a frontrunner to become Scotland’s next leader, is fighting to keep her campaign alive on Tuesday amid a backlash over her opposition to same-sex marriage. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP)

Would-be Scottish leader under fire over gay marriage stance

LONDON (AP) — A front-runner to become Scotland’s next leader fought to keep her campaign alive Tuesday amid a backlash over her opposition to same-sex marriage.

Nicola Sturgeon speaks during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh, Wednesday, Feb. 15 2023. Sturgeon has resigned as first minister of Scotland following months of controversy over a law that makes it simpler for people to change their gender on official documents. Sturgeon led the country's devolved government and the Scottish National Party for eight years. (Jane Barlow/Pool photo via AP)

Sturgeon’s exit leaves Scottish independence path unclear

Scotland’s independence movement needs a new leader — and a new plan. The resignation of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon leaves the decades-long campaign by Scottish nationalists to secede from the United Kingdom at an impasse.

Nicola Sturgeon speaks during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh, Wednesday, Feb. 15 2023. Sturgeon has resigned as first minister of Scotland following months of controversy over a law that makes it simpler for people to change their gender on official documents. Sturgeon led the country's devolved government and the Scottish National Party for eight years. (Jane Barlow/Pool photo via AP)

Scottish leader Sturgeon quits with independence goal unmet

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced her intention to resign. Sturgeon, who has led the country’s devolved government and the Scottish National Party for eight years told a news conference Wednesday at her official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh, that part of serving in politics

FILE - Scotland's First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, is interviewed, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Washington. Scotland’s leader said Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, that she will take the British government to court over its decision to block a Scottish law that makes it easier for people to change their gender on official documents. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Scotland vows to challenge UK in court over gender law veto

Scotland’s leader says she will take the British government to court over its decision to block a law that makes it easier for people in Scotland to change their gender on official documents.

Supporters of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill (Scotland) take part in a protest outside the Scottish Parliament, ahead of a debate on the bill, in Edinburgh. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. A plan by Scotland’s government to make it easier for people to change gender has sparked acrimonious debate, with lawmakers arguing inside the Edinburgh parliament and rival groups of protesters demonstrating outside. A bill introduced by the Scottish National Party-led government will allow people to change gender by self-declaration, removing the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

UK govt to veto Scotland’s gender self-recognition law

The British government says it will block a law designed to make it easier for people in Scotland to legally change their gender.

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak toasts marshmallows during a visit to the Sea scouts community group in Muirtown near Inverness, Scotland, Thursday Jan. 12, 2023. (Andrew Milligan/Pool via AP)

Sunak pledges to work constructively with Scotland’s leader

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to work constructively with Scotland’s leader despite tensions over her administration’s wish for a new independence referendum.

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak leaves 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly session of Prime Ministers Questions in Parliament in London, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

UK leader Sunak makes first visit to Scotland as PM

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to highlight the benefits of remaining in the U.K. when he meets with the Scottish leader during his first visit to Scotland since taking office.

Scottish flags are held by demonstrators, outside the Supreme Court, in London, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. The U.K. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Scotland does not have the power to hold a new referendum on independence without the consent of the British government. The judgment is a setback for the Scottish government's campaign to break away from the United Kingdom.(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

UK top court rules against Scottish independence vote plan

The U.K. Supreme Court has ruled that Scotland does not have the power to hold a new referendum on independence without the consent of the British government.

Supporters of Scottish Independence hold a banner outside the Supreme Court in London, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022. The Supreme Court is holding two days of hearings into wether the Scottish Government can hold a referendum, as the British Government has refused to give them the special powers to hold one. Supreme Court President Lord Reed says it maybe some months before they give judgement due to the amount of papers they may consult. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

UK Supreme Court hears case for Scottish independence vote

Judges at the U.K.’s highest court have begun hearing evidence on whether Scotland’s Parliament can legislate to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on stage alongside Lesia Vasylenko Ukrainian Member of Parliament after speaking during the SNP conference at the Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) in Aberdeen, Scotland, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP)

Scottish leader: Independence vote key, whatever court says

Scotland’s leader says she will push on with her campaign to take her country out of the United Kingdom, even if she loses a Supreme Court case seeking the authority for a new independence referendum.

Britain's King Charles III arrives at an official council meeting at the City Chambers in Dunfermline to formally mark the conferral of city status on the former town, ahead of a visit to Dunfermline Abbey to mark its 950th anniversary, in Fife, Scotland, Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP)

King Charles III in first engagement since queen’s death

King Charles III and his wife Camilla, the queen consort, have visited Scotland in their first joint public engagement since the royal mourning period to remember Queen Elizabeth II ended.

FILE - Hilary Mantel, winner of the Man Booker Prize for Fiction, poses with a copy of her book 'Bring up the Bodies', shortly after the award ceremony in central London, on Oct. 16, 2012. Mantel, the Booker Prize-winning author of the acclaimed “Wolf Hall” saga, has died, publisher HarperCollins said Friday Sept. 23, 2022. She was 70. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, File)

Hilary Mantel, author of ‘Wolf Hall’ Tudor saga, dies at 70

The Booker Prize-winning author of the acclaimed “Wolf Hall” trilogy has died. Hilary Mantel was 70.

Scotland introduces rent freeze to tackle soaring costs

LONDON (AP) — Scotland’s leader said Tuesday she will bring in emergency legislation to introduce an immediate rent freeze to protect tenants as part of measures to tackle the U.K.’

FILE - Scotland's First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, is interviewed, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Washington. The U.K. Supreme Court says it will hold hearings in October on whether Scotland can call an independence referendum without the consent of the British government. Pro-independence Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she intends to hold a plebiscite on secession on Oct. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

UK Supreme Court to hear Scottish independence case in Oct

The U.K. Supreme Court says will hold hearings in October on whether Scotland can call an independence referendum without the consent of the British government.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks at a press conference for the launch of new paper on Scottish independence, in Bute House, Edinburgh, Scotland, Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Sturgeon launched her campaign for a second independence referendum on Tuesday, arguing that Scotland would be economically better off outside the United Kingdom. (Russell Cheyne/PA via AP)

Scottish leader calls for new independence vote next year

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told lawmakers in Edinburgh that she plans to hold a fresh referendum on Scottish independence on Oct. 19, 2023.

Scotland mulls pardoning thousands convicted of witchcraft

LONDON (AP) — A Scottish lawmaker on Thursday launched a bid to posthumously pardon thousands of people, mostly women, who were convicted of witchcraft centuries ago.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks at a press conference for the launch of new paper on Scottish independence, in Bute House, Edinburgh, Scotland, Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Sturgeon launched her campaign for a second independence referendum on Tuesday, arguing that Scotland would be economically better off outside the United Kingdom. (Russell Cheyne/PA via AP)

Scotland leader launches campaign for new independence vote

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has started her campaign for a second independence referendum.

The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, is interviewed, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Washington. Sturgeon spoke to the Associated Press Tuesday on her first US visit since the COVID lockdown. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

AP Interview: Scottish leader stresses independence, NATO

Scotland’s leader says the Russian war in Ukraine only makes Scotland’s drive for independence from the U.K. more important.

FILE - Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, left, attends a meeting at the COP26 U.N. Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. Police said Monday, April 18, 2022 that they spoke to Scotland’s leader to remind her about sticking to coronavirus mask rules after she was filmed without a face covering indoors. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

Police speak to Scottish leader Sturgeon over mask slip-up

Police said Monday that they spoke to Scotland’s leader to remind her about sticking to coronavirus mask rules after she was filmed without a face covering indoors, Police Scotland said officers reminded First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of the “importance of wearing a face covering when there is a leg

St Andrew's House in Edinburgh, Scotland, is lit up with the colours of the Ukraine flag, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, unleashing airstrikes on cities and military bases and sending troops and tanks from multiple directions in a move that could rewrite the world's geopolitical landscape. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

UK bans all ships with Russian links from British ports

Britain has banned any ship with Russian connections from entering its ports as part of efforts to isolate President Vladimir Putin’s government because of its war in Ukraine.

Murrayfield can be full capacity for Scotland-England rugby

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — Scotland will be able to have a full house for its Six Nations rugby opener against England at Murrayfield next month after its government announced Tuesday a lifting of restrictions on crowds at outdoor sporting events from Jan. 17.

FILE - Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks at a session inside the venue of the COP26 U.N. Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, on Nov. 9, 2021. Scotland’s leader says she will renew her push for independence from the United Kingdom next year, with the aim of holding a referendum on secession in 2023. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Monday that the independence campaign “will resume in earnest” in spring 2022, “COVID permitting.” (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Scotland’s leader aims for independence referendum in 2023

Scotland’s leader says she will renew her push for independence from the United Kingdom next year with the aim of holding a referendum on secession in 2023.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, center, and Scottish Green Party co-leaders Patrick Harvie, left, and Lorna Slater speak to the media at Bute House, Edinburgh, Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. The Scottish National Party and the Scottish Greens have agreed a power-sharing deal that falls short of an official coalition government but could pave the way to another referendum on Scotland’s independence from the U.K. in the coming couple of years. (Jeff J Mitchell/PA via AP)

Scottish Greens agree to back pro-independence government

The Scottish National Party and the Scottish Greens have agreed a power-sharing deal that falls short of an official coalition government but could pave the way to another referendum on Scotland’s independence from the U.K. in the coming couple of years.

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon receives her second dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, administered by staff nurse Susan Inglis, at the NHS Louisa Jordan vaccine centre in Glasgow, Scotland, Monday June 21, 2021. (Jeff J Mitchell/Pool via AP)

Scottish leader, Manchester mayor spar over virus travel ban

Scotland’s leader has defended the ban on nonessential travel between the country and the northwest English city of Manchester after its mayor lambasted the decision and called for compensation.

FILE - In this Sunday, March 25, 2012 filer, a Rangers supporter is seen ahead of their Scottish Premier League soccer match against Celtic at Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland. Scotland's squad will include several Celtic players but not all their club's fans will be supporting the national team. Many Celtic fans in Scotland traditionally follow Ireland. It's a legacy of the religious divide that persists in Glasgow and a sectarianism between Rangers and Celtic that Scotland coach Steve Clarke has spoken out against. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File)

EURO 2020: Scotland aims to banish blight of sectarian songs

The most anticipated summer in Scottish soccer in a generation started with a public outbreak of perhaps its deepest-rooted problem.