Following eight years in the role, Nicola Sturgeon has formally declared her resignation as Scottish First Minister citing the “brutality” of modern politics as having a significant impact. Sturgeon stated that she had always believed that part of serving well was knowing when to step down from the position she had held since 2014.
Speaking at Bute House in Edinburgh, Sturgeon acknowledged that the time had come for her to stand down, stating: “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.”
Sturgeon has instructed the SNP to initiate the process of electing a new party leader, although she will “remain in office until my successor is elected”. In reference to her resignation, Sturgeon remarked that she was “not expecting violins” but that the harsh realities of modern politics had taken their toll on her and those around her.
Sturgeon expressed that the intensity and brutality of contemporary political discourse was much greater than in previous years and that this has not always been apparent. She went on to explain that this strain had been felt for some time and had resulted in significant personal impact.
