Mixed feelings have emerged from Glasgow councillors following the First Minister's decision to resign.
City Council leader Susan Aitken says she will be "forever grateful" to Nicola Sturgeon for her constant support and encouragement shown to the city over the years.
Ms Aitken praised the First Minister’s “incredible leadership” and said Scotland had been changed for the better as a result of Nicola Sturgeon being in politics.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon confirms resignation as Scotland's First Minister after more than eight years
Meanwhile the leader of Glasgow's Conservative party said that her time in office "would sadly be remembered as one that divided Glasgow communities".
Earlier today Ms Sturgeon confirmed she would stand down from her post after more than eight years in the role.
During a press conference the SNP leader said she knew “in my head and in my heart” this was the right time to step down.
Ms Sturgeon also confirmed that she would remain in office until her successor was elected and her resignation was not in response to the “latest period of pressure” which has included controversy over gender reforms, trans prisoners and the strategy on independence.
She is the longest-serving first minister and the first woman to hold the position.
Speaking about the announcement, Glasgow City Council Leader, Susan Aitken said: "Nicola Sturgeon has been an incredible leader throughout her time as First Minister and her stewardship during the pandemic allowed people to see the care, compassion and intellect she brings to public life.
“Scotland has been changed for the better by her being in politics and Glasgow is fortunate to have an MSP of such extraordinary courage and conviction.
“The First Minister has earned the right to leave on her own terms and will remain an inspiration at home and internationally for those who aspire to better their country.
“On a personal note, I will be forever grateful to Nicola for the constant support and encouragement she has shown to me and to many of us in the Glasgow SNP. As well as our First Minister and party leader, she’s been a great colleague."
Councillor Kerr said he understood the need to balance politics and family life but this was an opportunity for the SNP to "put a decade of division behind them".
He said: “As a new father, I am acutely aware of the need to balance the demands of politics while being mindful of the toll it can take on not only myself, but on my family as well.
“It is right that Nicola Sturgeon- having clearly been weighing up this for weeks- has accepted it is time for her to go.
“Her time in office will sadly be remembered as one that divided communities in Glasgow and across Scotland through her continued pursuit of independence.
“On her watch, Glasgow saw record drug deaths, our poorest pupils suffered in our schools and brutal cuts were handed down to council services.
“There is now a clear opportunity for the SNP to put a decade of division behind them and focus on the true priorities of Glaswegians, such as supporting them through the cost-of-living crisis, fixing our crumbling roads and getting a grip of the pressures in our NHS.
“That is an opportunity they must seize rather than continuing to push for a second referendum under new leadership.”
In her speech today, Nicola Sturgeon acknowledged there had been "choppy waters", but said her decision had come from "a deeper and longer-term assessment".
Ms Sturgeon also said she was "not leaving politics" and would continue to fight for Scottish independence.
Leader of the opposition Anas Sawar said it was right today to pay tribute to the achievements of Scotland’s First Minister, particularly during the pandemic.
He said: "Nicola Sturgeon has led Scotland through some of the most challenging times in our history.
"It is right that today we pay tribute to those achievements, particularly during the pandemic.
"Regardless of our differences, she is an able politician who has stood at the forefront of Scottish politics for more than 20 years. On a human level that is worthy of respect and thanks.
"To lead your country for almost a decade is a political achievement that secures her place in history.
"While we have disagreed passionately about what is best for our people, I have never for a moment doubted her passion for Scotland.
"All too often it is easy to forget that those on the frontline of our politics carry a heavy burden - not only for themselves but for their friends and families.
"I - and my entire party - wish her the best in whatever she does next."
Scottish Greens Co-Leaders, Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater, added: “Nicola Sturgeon has truly been a major figure in Scottish and UK politics in her decisive, tireless and collaborative leadership through unprecedented challenges and we are sorry to see her step down.
“She is the most significant political figure of the devolution era. Whoever replaces her will have the strongest foundation to build forward the argument for delivering independence, for how we ramp up efforts to tackle the climate emergency and manage the cost of living crisis which continues to impact lives daily.”
Glasgow's Labour leader George Redmond paid tribute to Nicola Sturgeon's achievement's particularly duing the covid pandemic and wished her well on behalf of his party.
Councillor Redmond said: "There can be no doubt that Nicola Sturgeon has led Scotland through some of the most challenging times in living memory
"I pay tribute to those achievements, especially during lockdown.
"To lead your country and your party for almost a decade is a political achievement that secures her place in history. The longest serving First Minister and the first female First Minister.
"I and my group share fundamental differences with the First Minister and the SNP; however, I have never doubted her passion for our country.
"Glasgow Labour wish her all best for the future.
"Glasgow, and indeed our country, needs political stability that our requires politics to be focussed on delivering the change our communities need - by uniting and delivering for Glasgow.
"It is clear for some time now that Glasgow needs new ideas, new vision, a new financial settlement for the city and a new strategy to make our city the best place to grow up in.
"We will always fight to inspire to win the confidence of the public of this city. We need a city that is open, outward, and modern."
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