The resignation of Scotland's leader reduces the likelihood of any near-term movement toward independence and, over time, will lead to questions about Scotland's strategy for secession. On Feb. 15, Nicola Sturgeon announced her resignation as Scotland's first minister and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), but said she would stay in both positions until a successor is appointed. In a press conference, Sturgeon said she has instructed the SNP to start the process to appoint a new leader, who almost certainly will also become the first minister. In her speech, Sturgeon said that the decision was based on personal reasons and argued that high-ranking political positions ''take their toll'' on the people holding them....
