Nicola Sturgeon is Scotland's most popular leader. Her resignation sends shockwaves throughout the U.K.
“Since my very first moments in the job, I have believed that part of serving well is to know, almost instinctively, when the time is right to make way for someone else,” Sturgeon said at a press conference at Bute House, the First Minister’s official residence, in Edinburgh. “In my head and in my heart, I know that time is now. That it is right for me, for my party, and for the country.”
The shock announcement comes three weeks after Sturgeon told the BBC there was “plenty left in the tank” after New Zealand’s then-leader, citing burnout. “If I ever reach the point that she has clearly reached, where I think overall I just can’t give the job everything it deserves,” Sturgeon said at the time, “then I hope I have the same courage she’s had in saying, ‘OK, this is the point to go’.”
Sturgeon, who has been a member of the Scottish Parliament for more than two decades, took over from Alex Salmond as the first female leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party and First Minister in 2014, following the failed independence referendum in 2014. Since then, Sturgeon has shepherded her pro-independence party through a number of major election victories and saw the SNP’s popularity rise.
The decision comes at an uncertain time for the SNP and the future of the Scottish independence movement. A second push for independence began following Brexit, with Scotland voting heavily in favor of remaining within the European Union. SNP leaders including Sturgeon had argued that the Brexit vote meant that a second referendum was needed given Scotland’s divergent views on Europe.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nicola Sturgeon quits as First Minister of Scotland in shock resignationNicola Sturgeon has quit as First Minister of Scotland.
Read more »
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon to quit after 8 years as party leader — report\n\t\t\tKeep abreast of significant corporate, financial and political developments around the world.\n\t\t\tStay informed and spot emerging risks and opportunities with independent global reporting, expert\n\t\t\tcommentary and analysis you can trust.\n\t\t
Read more »
Nicola Sturgeon to resign as First Minister of ScotlandThe First Minister is expected to step down at a news conference at Bute House in Edinburgh this morning. She has been in the position for more than eight years.
Read more »
Nicola Sturgeon: Scotland's first minister to announce resignation in news conference - BBC NewsScotland's first minister will speak to journalists at 11:00 from her official Edinburgh residence Bute House.
Read more »
Nicola Sturgeon set to resign as Scotland's first minister, senior source tells Sky NewsNicola Sturgeon announces that she will step down as the first minister of Scotland, but will remain in office until her successor is elected Read more: 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube
Read more »