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Nicola Sturgeon to resign as Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon says time is right to resign as Scotland's first minister
(32 minutes later)
Nicola Sturgeon is to resign as Scotland's first minister after more than eight years in the role. Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that she is resigning 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 said that she knew "in my head and in my heart" that this was the right time to step down.
It is not thought that her departure will be immediate, allowing time for a successor to be elected. She made announcement at a hastily-arranged news conference in Edinburgh.
A source close to Ms Sturgeon - the longest-serving first minister - told the BBC that she had "had enough". The first minister said she she would remain in office until her successor was elected.
Former SNP MP Stephen Gethins said he was "surprised... and disappointed" by the news. Ms Sturgeon is the longest-serving first minister and the first woman to hold the position.
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"Nicola Sturgeon is someone who has led with distinction," he said. She said serving in the role had been "a privilege beyond measure".
Mr Gethins said it was a "hard, stressful job" and that there would be "big shoes to fill". But she added: "Since the very first moment in the job, I have believed that part of serving well would be to know, almost instinctively, when the time is right to make way for someone else.
SNP MP Stewart McDonald described the first minister as "the finest public servant of the devolution age". "And when that time came, to have the courage to do so, even if to many across the country, and in my party, might feel it too soon.
"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.
"And so today I am announcing my intention to step down as first minister and leader of my party."
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 said her decision was not a reaction to short-term pressures, but came from "a deeper and longer-term assessment".
Ms Sturgeon has been a member of the Scottish Parliament since 1999, and became the deputy leader of the SNP in 2004. The first minister said she had been wrestling with the decision for some weeks.
She has been first minister since November 2014, when she took over from Alex Salmond after the defeat in the independence referendum. She said there were two questions - whether carrying on was right for her, and whether it was right for country, her party and the cause of independence.
Ms Sturgeon has led the SNP to a series of election victories at UK, Scottish and local level. Ms Sturgeon said the answer to both questions was "no".
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 government Former SNP MP Stephen Gethins said Ms Sturgeon had "led with distinction" and that he was "surprised... and disappointed" by the news.
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. SNP MP Stewart McDonald described the first minister as "the finest public servant of the devolution age".
In addition, recent months have seen controversies over gender reforms, which have been blocked by the UK government.
To many, Nicola Sturgeon has become the face of Scottish independence in her time as first minister.To many, Nicola Sturgeon has become the face of Scottish independence in her time as first minister.
But in truth, it's far from clear if and when another referendum will happen.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.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 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?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.Possibly. It'll certainly be a key question for whoever wants to be the next SNP 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.
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 government
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.
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Nicola SturgeonNicola Sturgeon
SNP (Scottish National Party)SNP (Scottish National Party)