Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon has announced she will stand down as First Minister of Scotland after eight years. In a shock announcement, the SNP leader told a press ...

"And right now, in a very particular sense, I feel that duty to my part too. "In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. "A First Minister is never off duty, particularly in this day and age there is virtually no privacy. She was also a true European. The blocking of our referendum as the accepted constitutional route to independence is a democratic outrage. She will leave office as the longest-serving and first female First Minister since the creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999. The country deserves nothing less. "I feel that duty first and foremost to our country to ensure that it has the energy of leadership that it needs not just today but through the years that remain of this parliamentary term. She said standing down as First Minister would "free" the SNP to take a decision on how best to pursue independence "without worrying about the perceived implications for my leadership". She said being First Minister and Deputy First Minister is a "privilege", adding: "But they are also really hard and especially in the case of First Minister relentlessly so. She told a press conference that she knew it was the right time to stand down and said she will remain in office until her successor is elected "Since my very first moments in the job I have believed a part of serving well would be to know almost instinctively when the time is right to make way for someone else," she said.

Sturgeon said her resignation as Scotland's first minister 'frees the SNP' on the issue of Scottish independence 'to choose the path it believes to be the right ...

She concluded her resignation speech, saying: “So to the people of Scotland, to all of the people of Scotland, whether you’ve voted for me or not, please know that being your first minister has been the privilege of my life. “In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. It is a cause I believe in with every fibre of my being. Tough love, perhaps, but love nevertheless for my party and above all for the country.” I wish Nicola and her family the very best for the future.” She said she would not give an opinion on who she wanted to succeed her as Scottish National Party (SNP) leader.

But the First Minister stands down without realising her key political mission – independence for Scotland. Ms Sturgeon said her resignation “frees the SNP” on ...

But she vowed to continue in politics and said her life-long cause of independence is “being won”. “I want to see a Scottish Government that works hand in hand with the UK Government to realise our full potential as a country.” Ms Sturgeon acknowledged the “choppy waters” but insisted her resignation was not in response to the “latest period of pressure”. “But if the question is can I give this job everything it demands and deserves for another year, let alone for the remainder of this parliamentary term, give it every ounce of energy that it needs in the way that I have strived to do every day for the last eight years, the answer honestly is different.” Ms Sturgeon, who guided the nation through the coronavirus pandemic and led the SNP to repeated election victories at UK, Scottish and local level, acknowledged the “physical and mental impact” of the role. In a shock announcement, the SNP leader told a press conference on Wednesday that she believes it is the “time is now” to stand aside but denied she is reacting to “short-term pressures” after a series of political setbacks.

Scotland's first minister will remain in office until successor is elected, but said 'time is right to make way for someone else.'

“This is just a completely wild situation,” they said ahead of the conference. “I’ve literally done this in one capacity or another for all of my life,” she said. She has also been under fire over the housing of a convicted rapist, who changed their gender, in a women’s prison. But the SNP leader has been embroiled in a row with the British government in recent weeks, after it blocked a bill aimed at reforming Scotland’s gender self-declaration laws. “However, since my very first moments in the job, I have believed that part of serving well would be to know almost instinctively when the time is right to make way for someone else. Sturgeon pointed out that she had been a member of the Scottish Parliament since the age of 29, and in government since the age of 37.

Sturgeon has been first minster since 2014, taking over from Alex Salmond, who stiid down after running an unsuccessful independence campaign. She has come ...

She became a list MSP in the first Scottish Parliament election and quickly rose through the ranks to become Salmond's deputy leader in 2004 then deputy leader and health minister in 2007. She has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks over her bid to reform the Gender Recognition Act as well as for her plan to turn the next election into a de facto independence referendum. Details of the news conference were sent out this morning, with the BBC reporting that the purpose of the meeting is for Sturgeon to announce that she is stepping down.

After more than eight years as the head of her country's government, Nicola Sturgeon will resign from her First Minister post, she announced Wednesday.

"In a way, it was a surprise because [she said she was going to go on], but then any leader would say that because you become a lame duck the second you say you're going to resign." Sturgeon will remain first minister until the Scottish National Party can elect a new leader. Both referenced the nasty tone of political discourse and the emotional strain that comes with serving in office. [told the BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-scotland-64648879) there was "plenty left in the tank" and that she hoped to be the very politician who could lead Scotland to independence. But when is that ever not the case?" [Journalists in the country were surprised](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-scotland-64648879/page/2) to be invited to Sturgeon's residence on short notice during the Scottish parliament's recess. A person could essentially be one gender legally on one side of the Scottish-English border and then another gender legally a mile away. "This decision is not a reaction to short-term pressures. [ embroiled in a separate fight with the U.K. prime minister, for a Section 30 order,](https://www.npr.org/2022/06/14/1105025412/first-minister-of-scotland-unveils-campaign-for-scottish-independence) which would grant Edinburgh the power to hold such a vote. Or will it go the direction the rest of the U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the law would undermine U.K.-wide legislation because residents in other parts of the Kingdom do need to undergo a medical exam to change their gender.

Sturgeon became leader of ruling Scottish National Party after 2014 independence referendum.

She concluded her resignation speech, saying: “So to the people of Scotland, to all of the people of Scotland, whether you’ve voted for me or not, please know that being your first minister has been the privilege of my life. “In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. It is a cause I believe in with every fibre of my being. Tough love, perhaps, but love nevertheless for my party and above all for the country.” I wish Nicola and her family the very best for the future.” She said she would not give an opinion on who she wanted to succeed her as Scottish National Party (SNP) leader.

Scotland's first minister makes surprise announcement that she will be stepping down.

There are lessons in that for those of us who believe in a New Ireland.” She wished her well after the “surprise” announcement. The SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, also paid tribute to Ms Sturgeon, whom he said had made an “immense contribution to her country as first minister, her party as SNP Leader and the politics of these islands as the leader of the Scottish independence movement”. Ms McDonald said she has no doubt Ms Sturgeon will always advocate for the country and people “that she loves” adding: “beir bua agus beannacht”. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said Ms Sturgeon is “an outstanding leader and an outstanding advocate for the independence of her country”. He later told the Dáil that she is an “impressive” politician and “a true European and a friend of Ireland”.

First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, has announced her intention to resign from her position as First Minister and leader of the Scottish National ...

Sturgeon is the first woman to serve as First Minister of Scotland, and her resignation marks the end of an era for Scottish politics. During her time as First Minister, Sturgeon has been a strong voice for Scottish independence and has worked to strengthen Scotland's economy and social services. Sturgeon has served in these roles for over eight years and was previously Deputy First Minister for the best part of eight years before that.

Speaking at her residence at Bute House in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon said she knows the “time is now” for her to stand down. She is the longest serving – and first ...

Nicola Sturgeon has given her working life to the cause of independence. “A first minister is never off-duty, particularly in this day and age there is virtually no privacy. “In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. “An outstanding Leader,” he tweeted. “The first female and longest serving First Minister. “We are at a critical moment. She was also a true European. For me, it is now in danger of becoming too long. But in truth that can only be done by anyone for so long. Ms Sturgeon added she is “not leaving politics”, stressing she will continue to fight for Scottish independence and will remain on as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) at least until the next election. “And as that is my decision, hard though it has been for me to reach it, then given the nature and scale of the challenges the country faces, I have a duty to say so now.” Speaking at her residence at Bute House in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon said she knows the “time is now” for her to stand down.

Leo Varadkar paid tribute to the outgoing Scottish first minister in comments to the Dáil parliament in Dublin.

“I want to wish her all the best and look forward to engaging with her successor in due course.” He added: “I wish Nicola and her family the very best for the future.” “I met her many times in Dublin and also in the context of the British-Irish Council,” he said.

Mr Varadkar said the outgoing SNP leader had shown “huge commitment to her country”.

He added: “I wish Nicola and her family the very best for the future”. “I met her many times in Dublin and also in the context of the British-Irish Council,” he said. “May I extend my best wishes to Nicola and her family for the future.”

Leo Varadkar paid tribute to the outgoing Scottish first minister in comments to the Dáil parliament in Dublin…

“I have absolutely no doubt that she will continue always to advocate for the country and the people that she loves,” she said. He added: “I wish Nicola and her family the very best for the future.” “I met her many times in Dublin and also in the context of the British-Irish Council,” he said.

Leo Varadkar paid tribute to the outgoing Scottish first minister in comments to the Dáil parliament in Dublin…

“I have absolutely no doubt that she will continue always to advocate for the country and the people that she loves,” she said. He added: “I wish Nicola and her family the very best for the future.” “I met her many times in Dublin and also in the context of the British-Irish Council,” he said.

"I pay tribute to Nicola Sturgeon following her decision to stand down as First Minister of Scotland. I had the pleasure to work with Nicola through the ...

She was also a true European. Last updated on Published on

Michael D Higgins' comments came after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar paid tribute to Ms Sturgeon as a 'friend of Ireland'.

“I have absolutely no doubt that she will continue always to advocate for the country and the people that she loves,” she said. “I want to wish her all the best and look forward to engaging with her successor in due course.” He added: “I wish Nicola and her family the very best for the future”. “I met her many times in Dublin and also in the context of the British-Irish Council,” he said. “May I extend my best wishes to Nicola and her family for the future.” “During her time in office, Nicola Sturgeon brought a freshness and enthusiasm to the tasks of representation and public service that was singular,” he said.

President Michael D Higgins said that Nicola Sturgeon “brought a freshness and enthusiasm to the tasks of representation and public service.”

“During her time in office, Nicola Sturgeon brought a freshness and enthusiasm to the tasks of representation and public service that was singular. Nicola Sturgeon announced she will stand down after eight years as Scotland’s First Minister, telling a press conference “the time is now”. He added: “I wish Nicola and her family the very best for the future.”

So began the inevitable parsing of her resignation speech, itself praised for its honesty and humility – particularly in contrast to recent UK prime ministerial ...

Those who know Sturgeon well highlight her comments on Wednesday on the polarisation of Scottish politics, and its “brutal” nature – especially for women. Jeane Freeman, whose friendship with Sturgeon was cemented when she worked as her health secretary during the pandemic, told the Guardian: “It’s inevitable that going through something as relentless and all-consuming takes its toll, as I know personally. That Sturgeon was ready to leave the role she has occupied since she seamlessly replaced Alex Salmond in 2014 was no secret. MP Amy Callaghan toppled the former Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson in 2019 and Sturgeon’s delighted fist-pumping reaction, caught unintentionally on camera, went viral at the time. While she leaves the independence question in deadlock, she insisted her decision to step down was anchored in what was right “for the country, for my party and for the independence cause I have devoted my life to”. I will always be a feminist.” But Sturgeon is a woman who likes to craft her own narrative. [harassment complaints made against the former first minister](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/aug/30/alex-salmond-inquiry-upheld-five-sexual-harassment-complaints), constant calls for her to quit, and ultimately her being [cleared](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/mar/22/nicola-sturgeon-cleared-of-knowingly-breaching-ministerial-code) of misleading parliament. In her resignation speech she warmly thanked “my SNP family”, the party she joined as a serious-minded 16-year-old in the 1980s, when support for independence was marginal and membership was not about forging a career in politics. She The superlatives flooded in from supporters and opponents alike, describing Scotland’s first female first minister, who has led her party to political dominance for nearly a decade, as “formidable”, “unparalleled”, “tireless”. [Nicola Sturgeon](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/nicola-sturgeon) in the hours before she publicly announced her resignation as Scotland’s first minister, it was the timing and not the fact of her departure that came as the almighty shock.

Ms Sturgeon shocked Holyrood on Wednesday when she told a hastily arranged press conference she was to quit. The SNP leader insisted recent political challenges ...

He told the BBC’s Newsnight: “Labour currently have one MP in the whole of Scotland, the Conservatives have six. “For 12 years I don’t think people in Scotland have believed that a Labour UK government was possible. That it’s right for me, for my party and my country,” she told reporters at Bute House, her official residence. But his Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, said her resignation was “a welcome opportunity for the Scottish government to change course, and to drop its divisive obsession with independence”. I think people believe a UK Labour government is possible,” he told BBC. Ms Sturgeon had planned to fight the next general election as a de facto referendum on Scottish independence but Mr Flynn said the new leader “should have the opportunity and indeed the space to set out their position, their values and their intentions going forward”.

Scottish politics has, for years now, had an outsized voice in the wider UK political conversation. The reason is simple: the prospect of Scottish ...

To put that in perspective, the last time they won a general election, in 2005, they won 41 seats in Scotland. How will the collective instincts of some of those Scots most committed to the cause of independence express themselves in selecting the next figurehead for the cause, and how will they take that argument to the persuadable but not convinced? A necessary, but not sufficient component in that is continuing to win elections and continuing to prove that Scottish public opinion remains, at the very least, split down the middle on the question of independence. And the SNP became and remain a significant player on the UK political stage: the third political party at Westminster and one with the potential to hold the balance of power in a hung parliament. And that - to state the obvious - matters massively in Scotland, but also everywhere else in the UK too. With the Scottish National Party running the Scottish government and holding the vast majority of Scottish seats at Westminster, the question of Scotland's constitutional future has remained live.

Ms Sturgeon shocked Holyrood on Wednesday when she told a hastily arranged press conference she was to quit. The SNP leader insisted recent political challenges ...

He told the BBC’s Newsnight: “Labour currently have one MP in the whole of Scotland, the Conservatives have six. “For 12 years I don’t think people in Scotland have believed that a Labour UK government was possible. That it’s right for me, for my party and my country,” she told reporters at Bute House, her official residence. But his Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, said her resignation was “a welcome opportunity for the Scottish government to change course, and to drop its divisive obsession with independence”. I think people believe a UK Labour government is possible,” he told BBC. At the same time, he said it would require the party to make “significant gains” in Scotland at the next general election – expected in a little over 12 months – for that to happen.