Nicola Sturgeon – Moray politicians have their say
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Nicola Sturgeon's surprise resignation as First Minister has been met with a mixed reaction in Moray.
In the wake of yesterday's announcement, The Northern Scot online contacted several local politicians to ask their thoughts
Here are the replies.
Shona Morrison, (Fochabers/Lhanbryde, SNP)
"As the first female First Minister, Nicola inspired me to stand for election and serve my own community.
"Her courage in leadership is second to none. She has never shied away from challenging issues and this decision is another courageous moment.
"Her leadership of our party continues to bring enormous electoral success and continued growth in support for the shared ambition for our nation to be a confident, independent member of the international community."
Graham Leadbitter (Elgin South, SNP)
"Nicola has and continues to be an inspiration to myself and to our party.
"Her dedication to the leadership of our country, notably through very difficult times during the Covid pandemic, has been unswerving.
"At a personal level I have had the privilege of campaigning alongside Nicola on many occasions over the years and have learned a great deal from her approach to politics.
"Nicola has demonstrated professionalism and compassion in equal measure and gives enormous energy to the cause of independence that I share with her and so many other people in Scotland.
"Nicola has our collective gratitude."
Jérémie Fernandes (Elgin North, SNP)
"Nicola Sturgeon has been a formidable First Minister, undoubtedly the best First Minister Scotland has had since the re-convening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
"She has made Scotland a fairer country for those who are often overlooked, and introduced legislation that will make life better for minorities: LGBTQI, ethnic minorities and foreign citizens.
"She has brought Scotland closer to independence with an overwhelming majority support for independence among younger voters.
"The timing of her announcement comes as a surprise of course, but the decision is hers alone.
"It is clear that the weight of the office has become too much, and I am glad she will have more time to look after herself and her family."
Juli Harris (Speyside/Glenlivet, SNP)
"For me, personally, Nicola Sturgeon has been a leader, an inspiration and role model for many years now.
"But the party and the independence cause is far bigger than any one person.
"There are many excellent and charismatic leaders within the party who will take up the baton."
Sandy Keith (Elgin North, Labour)
"Nicola Sturgeon has led Scotland through some of the most challenging times in the modern era and I would pay tribute to that.
"I would also pay tribute to the fact that she has been at the forefront of Scottish politics for the last 20 years or so and I wish her the best for the future on a personal level.
"Obviously the Labour group passionately disagree with her on what's best for Scotland. Scotland requires the change that only Labour can bring which would unite us rather than divide us.
"Whoever takes over, that's a decision for members of the Scottish National Party to make, there should be new Scottish elections given that the SNP called for that when there had been a change of Prime Minister so I'd be looking forward to that as a consequence of changing leader."
Kathleen Robertson (Forres, Conservative)
"As a woman in politics a lot of what Nicola Sturgeon contained in her speech resonates with me.
"Although our political opinions differ, I admire her role in Scottish politics and her recognition of when to go.
"I hope with new leadership the SNP will make a concerted effort to heal the divisions amongst the Scottish People."
Tracy Coyler (Keith and Cullen, Conservative)
"As a local politician, I am acutely aware of the demands politics puts on my family and I, so that will have only been incredibly intensified in the role of First Minister.
"It is right that Nicola Sturgeon has accepted that she knows the time is right for her to step aside.
"Her legacy for communities in Moray leaves a lot to chew over, but for many it will be characterised by her continued pursuit of independence.
"Now is the time for the SNP to finally move on and focus on the real challenges facing people in the communities I represent during these challenging times."
Donald Gatt (Keith and Cullen, Conservative)
"While it is a natural British trait to be magnanimous, it is difficult to be with Ms Sturgeon, who must bear at least some responsibility for the grievance and division caused by nationalism.
"It is right she has acknowledged the time is right for her to step down.
"Her legacy for Moray and across Scotland leaves a lot to be desired with reduced services and higher taxes, but for many it will be characterised by her continued dream of secession.
"The SNP must move on and focus on the challenges facing communities, such as those I represent during these demanding times."
Neil Alexander, convener of the Moray Liberal Democrats
"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."
