The Steamie: Has Nicola Sturgeon succeeded or failed as First Minister?

Nicola Sturgeon this week became Scotland’s longest-serving First Minister, surpassing the tenure of predecessor Alex Salmond.

But just how successful has she been across her time in power?

The Scotsman’s political team, led by political editor Alistair Grant, and featuring deputy political editor Conor Matchett and politics correspondent Hannah Brown, debate that very question on the latest episode of podcast The Steamie.

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As Nicola Sturgeon overtakes Alex Salmond as Scotland's longest-serving First Mi...
The fourth episode of The Steamie for 2022 is now live. Picture: JPI Media/ShutterstockThe fourth episode of The Steamie for 2022 is now live. Picture: JPI Media/Shutterstock
The fourth episode of The Steamie for 2022 is now live. Picture: JPI Media/Shutterstock
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In more than 2,740 days in office, Ms Sturgeon’s Government has introduced flagship policies such as the expansion of funded early learning and childcare, which has almost doubled to 1,140 hours a year under her leadership.

The roll-out of devolved benefits and the creation of Social Security Scotland, as well as measures to tackle child poverty, such as the Scottish Child Payment, have also been significant steps.

But with Ms Sturgeon and her Government currently dogged by problems including a troubled start for ScotRail’s nationalisation and the ferries scandal – and some arguing the SNP are no closer to independence than when she first took over the leadership reins – what is likely to be her legacy?

You can check out the latest episode of The Steamie wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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