Nicola Sturgeon confirms intention to resign as First Minister
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NICOLA Sturgeon has confirmed her intention to resign as Scotland's First Minister.
The SNP leader will not step down immediately, but the process to replace her in the role has begun.
Ms Sturgeon, who has been First Minister since 2014, insisted the decision was not made as a reaction to "short-term pressures".
The decision to resign was reached over the long-term, she added, before going onto say she wouldn't be leaving politics completely.
Announcing her resignation at a press conference in Edinburgh, she said: "I'm very proud of what has been achieved in the years I've been in Bute House.
"However, part of serving well is to know when the time is right to make way for someone else. In my head and heart, I know that time is now and that it's right for me, my party and the country.
"So I am announcing my intention to step down as First Minister and leader of my party.
"I have asked the National Secretary of the SNP to begin the process of electing a new party leader and I'll remain in office until my successor is elected."
In recent weeks, debate has been raging about the new Gender Recognition Reform Bill. However, Ms Sturgeon was quick to add that the decision was not made off the back of that.
"This decision is not a reaction to short-term pressures," she said.
"There are difficult decisions confronting the government just now, but when is that ever not the case?
"I've spent almost three decades in front-line politics. I have plenty of experience to draw on.
"If this was just a question of my ability to get through the latest period of pressure, I wouldn't be standing here today – but it's not.
"This decision comes from a deeper and longer term assessment. It might seem sudden, but I've been wrestling with this for some weeks."
During her eight years as First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, visited Moray on multiple occasions.
She will continue in politics, representing her constituency of Glasgow City from the back benches.
Ms Sturgeon added that she will continue to champion to the independence cause after her resignation.
She added: "I am firmly of the view that there is majority support for independence in Scotland, but that support needs to be solidified and it needs to grew further if our independent Scotland is to have the best possible foundation.
"We must reach across the divide in Scottish politics and my view is that a new leader would be better able to do this.
"I am not leaving politics as there are many issues I care deeply about and hope to champion in future.
"Winning independence is the cause I've dedicated a lifetime too and it's a cause I believe in with every fibre of my being. It's a cause I'm convinced is being won and I intend to be there as it is won, every step of the way."
Ms Sturgeon was question on her successor, but declined to comment on who would be best placed to replace her, instead adding that she would support whoever did.
Former Moray MP Angus Robertson is the current front-runner with Scottish bookmaker McBookie, at Evens.
