Nicola Sturgeon To Step Down From Holyrood

Scotland’s former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced  to stand down as an MSP.

The ex-SNP leader confirmed she would not seek re-election at the Holyrood election in May next year.

After announcing her decision on social media, she told BBC Scotland News her time in parliament had been a “privilege beyond words”.
She added: “But the time is right for me at this stage in my life to close the book on that chapter and open a new one.”

Sturgeon resigned as first minister in March 2023 after eight years in the role.
She is Scotland’s longest-serving first minister and the first woman to hold the position.

Announcing her decision to step down, Sturgeon highlighted policies introduced during her time in office such as the Scottish Child Payment and expanded early years education.

She also said she remained committed to the campaign for Scottish independence.

The former first minister has faced criticism for her record on tackling drugs deaths, closing the attainment gap among schools pupils and on controversial gender recognition reforms that would have made it easier for transgender people to change their legally recognised sex.

Sturgeon told BBC Scotland News she was “proud” of her achievements and would “leave it to others” to criticise her legacy.

On gender recognition reforms, she added: “I will never apologise for trying to make life better for one of the most stigmatised, discriminated against sections of our society.”

BBC