Nicola Sturgeon resignation: Moray's politicians react to SNP leader and First Minister stepping down
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THE news of Nicola Sturgeon's resignation as Scotland's First Minister has been met with a mixed response in Moray.
Ms Sturgeon, who had been in the role since taking over from Alex Salmond in 2014, announced her intention to step down at a hastily-arranged press conference in Edinburgh this morning.
She will remain in the post until a successor is found, with the current front-runner being former Moray SNP MP Angus Robertson.
Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead – who incidentally comes in at 20/1 to become First Minister – described Ms Sturgeon's resignation as "a sad day for Scotland".
“Like so many people, I am sorry that our longest serving and first female First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has decided to stand down," he said.
“Few will blame her given the relentless pressures of the job and today’s political environment can be brutal at times, as she pointed out.
“Nicola and myself were elected back in 1999 in the first Scottish Parliament, and it has been an absolute honour to work alongside her throughout these years and especially since we have been in government since 2007.
“She has been an outstanding leader who never wavers from her principles and is always straight with people – these are becoming rarer qualities in politicians these days.
"She has also gained a strong international profile given the respect in which she is held across the world.
“In particular, constituents in Moray always tell me how impressed they were with her leadership throughout the pandemic and always said ‘how does she do it?’.
"The truth, of course, is that leadership takes its toll and no wonder she now wants to look to the next chapter of her life. We are all human and can’t work at such a pace forever.
“Support for independence has also grown under her leadership and the case for Scotland to be an independent country has never been stronger or more credible.
“It’s a sad day for Scotland but I wish Nicola every good fortune and happiness.”
Moray's Conservative MP Douglas Ross said he was "glad" that Nicola Sturgeon had "recognised this is the right time" for her to resign.
He said: “Whatever our differences, it is right we recognise that political leadership is always demanding and takes its toll on a person and their family.
"I am glad Nicola Sturgeon has recognised this is the right time to go.
“However, at this time, we cannot ignore that she has presided over a decade of division and decay in Scotland.
“Instead of trying to unite the country in the wake of the 2014 referendum, Nicola Sturgeon refused to accept the result.
"Her entire tenure as First Minister has been characterised by relentless agitating for another vote on separation – governing in her party’s interests, rather than Scotland’s.
“As a result, Scotland has been in a state of constitutional paralysis ever since – divided and unable to move on from the Groundhog Day of 2014 and its toxic legacy, despite the wish of the majority of Scots to do just that.
“The SNP Government now needs to use this opportunity to focus on the Scottish people’s real priorities, especially the cost-of-living crisis, supporting our NHS and rebuilding our public services.”
Neil Alexander, convener of the Moray Liberal Democrats, added: “While I disagreed with her a lot politically, you cannot deny the success that Nicola Sturgeon has had as a politician.
"I wish her well for the future. However, it’s clear now more than ever that the people of Moray need actions now, not just words no matter who succeeds the First Minister.
"We need action to bring back maternity services to Dr Gray’s immediately, we need the A96 dualling project completed, we need better mental health services.
"Moray Deserves Better, and I hope the Scottish Government will realise that.”
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, said: “Nicola Sturgeon led the country for eight years and during a pandemic.
"That was not an easy task for anyone and her communication skills were helpful in delivering clear public information at the start of the pandemic.
“In stepping down she has shown a degree of self-awareness with regard to the current political climate in Scotland.
“Her legacy will be judged in the coming days and I am sure a number of policies that are attracting attention may have had a bearing on her decision to step down, such as the broken promise on the A9, the NHS in crisis and the ferries fiasco. Her successor inherits a challenging position.
“I wish her all the best in whatever she does next.”
