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Even now, Scottish Labour cannot simply wait for its rivals to fail
Under Sturgeon, SNP failures were inevitable — their empty opposition to the Tories masked their timid, neoliberal core. We must now wrongfoot them with an agenda of radical constitutional change, writes PAULINE BRYAN
LEADING FROM THE FRONT: (Above) Former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard (right), joins teachers on the picket line outside Falkirk High School in Stirlingshire, in a protest over pay on January 27 2023

THE decision of Nicola Sturgeon to stand down as First Minister of Scotland was sudden, but not unexpected.

There has been speculation on her future for months despite her claim just two weeks ago that she had plenty in her tank to keep going.

Recently support for both her as First Minister and for independence has shown signs of sagging.

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