Noticing Nicola: SNP leader makes mark in race

Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon holds a copy of the party's manifesto during its launch in Edinburgh, Scotland, Monday April 20, 2015. Britain will vote in a general election on May 7. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE MANDATORY CREDIT Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon holds a copy of the party's manifesto during its launch in Edinburgh, Scotland, Monday April 20, 2015. Britain will vote in a general election on May 7. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE MANDATORY CREDIT

By Associated Press April 23, 2015 6 min read

LONDON (AP) – She’s 5-foot-4, favors fuchsia suits and isn’t running in the British election.

But make no mistake: Nicola Sturgeon is the biggest thing in U.K. politics right now.

The leader of the Scottish National Party is likely to be the kingmaker after the May 7 vote, as opinion polls suggest neither major party will win an outright victory. She offered this month to join forces with the Labour Party to end austerity and help the poor. Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron says such an alliance would be “hell” for the economy.

With impressive performances in two nationally televised debates, Sturgeon has thrust herself into the forefront of the race – the woman whose party is in everyone’s sights. And she’s done it by being straightforward, positive and – for much of the British public – simply new.

“It is a phenomenon,” said Ben Page of the Ipsos-MORI polling agency. “She’s doing all the things that you aren’t supposed to do in politics and it seems to be working for her.”