This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-64647907

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Nicola Sturgeon to resign as Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon to resign as Scotland's first minister
(30 minutes later)
Nicola Sturgeon is to resign as Scotland's first minister after more than eight years in the role.Nicola Sturgeon is to resign as Scotland's first minister after more than eight years in the role.
The Scottish National Party leader is expected to make the announcement at a hastily-arranged news conference in Edinburgh.The Scottish National Party leader is expected to make the announcement at a hastily-arranged news conference in Edinburgh.
It is not thought that her departure will be immediate, allowing time for a successor to be elected.It is not thought that her departure will be immediate, allowing time for a successor to be elected.
A source close to Ms Sturgeon - the longest-serving first minister - told the BBC that she had "had enough".A source close to Ms Sturgeon - the longest-serving first minister - told the BBC that she had "had enough".
Former SNP MP Stephen Gethins said he was "surprised... and disappointed" by the news.
Follow live updates on Nicola Sturgeon's resignationFollow live updates on Nicola Sturgeon's resignation
SNP to hold special conference on independenceSNP to hold special conference on independence
Nicola Sturgeon: The story so farNicola Sturgeon: The story so far
Ms Sturgeon has been first minister since November 2014, when she took over from Alex Salmond following the independence referendum. "Nicola Sturgeon is someone who has led with distinction," he said.
The first minister will hold her press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh at 11:00. Mr Gethins said it was a "hard, stressful job" and that there would be "big shoes to fill".
Ms Sturgeon has been a member of the Scottish Parliament since 1999, and became the deputy leader of the SNP in 2004. SNP MP Stewart McDonald described the first minister as "the finest public servant of the devolution age".
She then took over from Mr Salmond as leader and first minister after the defeat in the 2014 referendum.
Nicola Sturgeon became Scotland's first minister in 2014Nicola Sturgeon became Scotland's first minister in 2014
Alison Thewliss, the SNP MP for Glasgow Central, said she was "absolutely gutted" and described Ms Sturgeon as "an incredible leader".
Ms Sturgeon has been a member of the Scottish Parliament since 1999, and became the deputy leader of the SNP in 2004.
She has been first minister since November 2014, when she took over from Alex Salmond after the defeat in the independence referendum.
Ms Sturgeon has led the SNP to a series of election victories at UK, Scottish and local level.Ms Sturgeon has led the SNP to a series of election victories at UK, Scottish and local level.
Last year the UK Supreme Court ruled that Holyrood did not have the power to stage another independence referendum - a move which has been blocked by the UK governmentLast year the UK Supreme Court ruled that Holyrood did not have the power to stage another independence referendum - a move which has been blocked by the UK government
Ms Sturgeon had said she wanted the SNP to fight the next general election as a de facto referendum, but there has been some opposition to the plan within the SNP. Ms Sturgeon wants the SNP to fight the next general election as a de facto referendum, but there has been some opposition to the plan within the SNP.
In addition, recent months have seen controversies over gender reforms, which have been blocked by the UK government.In addition, recent months have seen controversies over gender reforms, which have been blocked by the UK government.
Alison Thewliss, the SNP MP for Glasgow Central, said she was "absolutely gutted" at the news of Ms Sturgeon resignation. To many, Nicola Sturgeon has become the face of Scottish independence in her time as first minister.
She tweeted: "Nicola has been an incredible leader." But in truth, it's far from clear if and when another referendum will happen.
The SNP is due to hold a special conference in March to discuss whether to use the next general election as a de facto referendum.
But it is controversial. Some senior figures accept it won't work - others have accused Sturgeon of waiting too long to push that case.
But might the departure of the party leader mean a rethink on independence strategy?
Possibly. It'll certainly be a key question for whoever wants to be the next SNP leader.
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Nicola SturgeonNicola Sturgeon
SNP (Scottish National Party)SNP (Scottish National Party)