Nicola Sturgeon resignation as it happened: Nicola Sturgeon resigns as first minister - RECAP
Ms Sturgeon will leave office as the longest serving and first female First Minister since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, a time which saw her lead the SNP to repeated election victories at UK, Scottish and local level.
In a shock announcement on Wednesday, the SNP leader said she believes the “time is now” to stand aside but denied reacting to “short-term pressures” after a series of political setbacks.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“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 from her residence at Bute House in Edinburgh.
“In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. That it’s right for me, for my party and my country.”
The succession and timeline of the resignation as well as the successor of the first minister has not yet been made clear, however we will bring you live updates throughout the day in our live blog.
Nicola Sturgeon resigns as Scotland’s first minister - RECAP
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has thanked Nicola Sturgeon “for her long-standing service”, adding on Twitter: “We will continue to work closely with the @scotgov on our joint efforts to deliver for people across Scotland.”
SNP MP Joanna Cherry has called for “reform and healing” in her party, asking for it to react to the resignation of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in “a way that is beneficial to the country and the cause of independence”.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross MSP said Nicola Sturgeon “refused to accept the result” of the 2014 independence referendum and said her tenure as First Minister was marked with “relentless agitating” for another referendum.
He said: “Whatever our differences, it is right we recognise that political leadership is always demanding and takes its toll on a person and their family.
“I am glad Nicola Sturgeon has recognised this is the right time to go.
“However, at this time, we cannot ignore that she has presided over a decade of division and decay in Scotland.
“Instead of trying to unite the country in the wake of the 2014 referendum, Nicola Sturgeon refused to accept the result. Her entire tenure as First Minister has been characterised by relentless agitating for another vote on separation – governing in her party’s interests, rather than Scotland’s.
“As a result, Scotland has been in a state of constitutional paralysis ever since – divided and unable to move on from the Groundhog Day of 2014 and its toxic legacy, despite the wish of the majority of Scots to do just that.
“The SNP Government now needs to use this opportunity to focus on the Scottish people’s real priorities, especially the cost-of-living crisis, supporting our NHS and rebuilding our public services.”
What did Nicola Sturgeon say on independence in her resignation speech?
She stated: “Individual polls come and go, but I am firmly of the view that there is now majority support for independence.
“But that support needs to be solidified – and it needs to grow further if our independent Scotland is to have the best possible foundation.
“To achieve that we must reach across the divide in Scottish politics.
“And my judgment now is that a new leader will be better able to do this.”
Former prime ministers Theresa May and Gordon Brown have paid tribute to Nicola Sturgeon.
Mrs May tweeted: “We disagree on many issues but I’d like to thank you Nicola Sturgeon for your long, tireless service to our country and for the professional relationship we maintained as leaders.
“I can assure you that there is plenty of scope to contribute from the backbenches.”
Mr Brown said: “I want to join others in thanking Nicola Sturgeon
for her work as Scotland’s First Minister and wish her well in what she does in the future.”