Sturgeon's shock resignation plan

NICOLA Sturgeon has announced she will stand down after eight years as First Minister, arguing that resigning is the best step for herself, her party and for Scotland.

In a shock announcement on Wednesday, the SNP leader said she believes the time is now” to stand aside but denied reacting to short-term pressures” after a series of political setbacks.

The longest serving and first female First Minister told a hastily arranged press conference she will remain in office while the SNP select her successor.

“In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. That it’s right for me, for my party and my country.”

Ms Sturgeon, who guided the nation through the coronavirus pandemic and led the SNP to repeated election victories at UK, Scottish and local level, acknowledged the physical and mental impact” of the role.

“If the question is can I battle on for another few months then the answer is yes, of course I can,’ the 52-year-old said.