Blow for Scottish nationalists as UK court rejects independence vote bid

[Emrys]

5. Nominations opened today!

I've no idea who will take over as party leader. There's some strength in depth, but Sturgeon's charisma will be a hard act to follow. Among the likely contenders, differences are more likely to emerge around strategy than broad ideology.

There'll also have to be a new nomination and election process within the Scottish Parliament to see who'll take over as First Minister. In theory, one would become the other and the new party leader will most likely be an MSP, not an MP, but I'm not taking any bets at the moment.

Any candidate for party leader needs nominations from at least 100 members from at least 20 different SNP local branches over a timescale yet to be announced.

As for the unionists who are gloating today, I'd just warn them to be careful what they wish for!