Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's first female and longest-serving First Minister, has announced that she will not seek re-election at the next Holyrood elections, signalling the end of a 27-year career in frontline politics. This decision comes three years after she stepped down as First Minister, following a period marked by both personal and political challenges.
Her tenure has been defined by significant policy achievements, including the expansion of free childcare and the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment, but also by controversies, such as the debates over gender recognition reforms and her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reactions to her announcement have been mixed, with some praising her leadership and legacy, while others remain critical of aspects of her time in office.
Here are some of the reactions to the news:
Untribal, Innes Burns: "She'll be remembered as a strong leader through some of the most difficult of times in politics. She also had independence polling consistently higher than ever before, just shy of 60% in her peak. If she had been legally able to hold a referendum with the mandate she carried, she just might have done it."
Scottish Labour Leader, Anas Sarwar: "Nicola Sturgeon has been a leading figure in Scottish politics for 20 years, but I have known her in local politics in Glasgow for almost 30 years. This is a significant announcement that marks the end of an era in Scottish politics. Whilst I have many disagreements with her, I never doubted her passion for Glasgow and Scotland. I wish her well for the future."
Scottish Greens Leader, Lorna Slater: "Thank you, Nicola - for your kindness, your leadership, your comradery and co-operation, we can't wait to see what you do next."
Scottish Conservatives, Murdo Fraser: "Nicola Sturgeon divided Scotland, trampled over women’s rights and dismissed their concerns as ‘not valid’, hiked taxes and left public services in ruins. I wish her well in retirement."
Sky News, Connor Gillies: "Like her or loathe her, Nicola Sturgeon is one of the most recognisable and formidable politicians Scotland has ever produced."
STV News, Colin Mackay: "She's put in a shift."
SNP, John Nicholson: "I don’t think Nicola Sturgeon need take any “share of responsibility” for uncivil discourse. She’s a robust but courteous debater. And she’s spot on about the vilification of trans people. It’s revolting. And all very reminiscent of clause 28 era homophobia."
Former SNP MP, Joanna Cherry: "I wasn’t going to say anything about Nicola Sturgeon‘s announcement today, but her rewriting of history must be challenged. It is she who should feel shame for the vilification of women’s & lesbian rights campaigners of longstanding."
Nicola hersel...
"Being one of the original 1999 Members of the Scottish Parliament, serving (by the time of the election) for 27 years - almost exactly half my life - and getting to represent Glasgow Southside, the best constituency in Scotland, has been an honour beyond words. However, I have known in my heart for a while that the time is right for me to embrace different opportunities in a new chapter of my life. I have therefore written this morning to SNP members in my constituency informing them that I will not be seeking selection for next year’s Holyrood election. To my constituents, past and present: thank you for the trust you have placed in me. Being your MSP has been my privilege and I will continue to represent you to the best of my abilities until I step down next year. To Southside SNP members: your support, loyalty and friendship, through thick and thin, has meant more to me than you will ever know. You are the best of the best. To SNP members across the country: I may be leaving Parliament, but I will be by your side every step of the way as we complete our journey to independence."
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