The Rest Is Politics: Leading 149. Nicola Sturgeon: On Margaret Thatcher, Alex Salmond, and the Push for Independence (Part 1)
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Aug 17, 2025 Nicola Sturgeon, the longest-serving First Minister of Scotland and former leader of the Scottish National Party, shares her political journey. She discusses how her childhood and Scotland's socio-economic disparities shaped her political identity. Sturgeon reflects on the impact of Margaret Thatcher's policies on her and Scotland's path toward independence. Additionally, she reveals her evolution from socialism to advocating for independence, addressing the complexities of Scottish politics and the legacies of leadership.
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Tied Cottage Shaped Early Values
- Nicola Sturgeon describes her grandfather working as a gardener on a big estate and living in a tied cottage.
- She recalls her grandmother losing the house after his death, which sparked feelings of injustice that shaped her politics.
Distinct Scottish Class Identity
- Nicola Sturgeon argues class identity in Scotland separates from economic status, with many proud to keep a working-class identity despite wealth.
- She suggests Scottish class identity differs from England and the US, where 'middle class' dominates self-identification.
Career Advice Fueled Determination
- Nicola recounts a careers adviser reacting with disbelief when she said she wanted to study law and advising her to be a teacher instead.
- That dismissal hardened her determination to go to university and prove them wrong.
