Catalan statehood bid thrown off course

Barcelona

LEADERS seeking independence for Spain's Catalonia region had the wind in their sails four months ago, but the change sweeping Spanish politics has blown them off course.

Politicians warn that surging left-wing party Podemos is a "Trojan horse" disrupting the independence drive, while centre-right Ciudadanos vows to sink the secessionists.

Many in the rich industrial region, including its conservative leader Artur Mas, want to create a new state in …