Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland, has sparked internal debate within the Scottish National Party (SNP) by criticizing the party's approach to the upcoming 2026 election campaign. The critique, which centers on the strategic direction of the party under current leadership, has drawn immediate rebukes from several of her former colleagues.

While the specific details of Sturgeon’s critique remain limited in public reporting, the reaction from within the party suggests a significant divide regarding how the SNP should position itself to maintain electoral success. Supporters of the current leadership argue that the party must remain unified to counter political opposition, while others suggest that Sturgeon’s intervention reflects broader frustrations with the party's current trajectory. The situation underscores ongoing tensions within the SNP ranks as the party navigates a post-Sturgeon era and prepares for future electoral challenges. There is currently no consensus on whether these criticisms represent a fundamental policy disagreement or a personal dispute regarding the party's management style.