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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Laura Ferguson

Nicola Sturgeon pledges to continue to be 'champion' for Glasgow Southside as she steps down as FM

Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to be a "champion and voice" for her Glasgow constituency as she steps down as First Minister.

Ms Sturgeon made her last speech at Holyrood as First Minister last week and today, March 27 is her last full day in the top job. During her closing speech she said holding the post for the last eight years "truly has been the privilege of my lifetime".

However, she does not intend to leave politics or the Scottish Parliament altogether and will continue to act as the MSP for her Glasgow Southside constituency, which she has represented since 2007.

READ MORE: Janey Godley does 'utterly brilliant' final Nicola Sturgeon voice over following resignation

In her new role as a backbencher, Ms Sturgeon said she "can't wait to now spend even more time" in the constituency.

She told Glasgow Live: "I have had the privilege of representing the people of Glasgow Southside, in one capacity or another, since 1999 and I am very much looking forward to continuing to do so.

"It is such a vibrant constituency, filled with diverse communities which I can't wait to now spend even more time with as I step back from my leadership roles.

"People across Glasgow Southside have continued to put their faith and trust in me to be their MSP, and I will continue to be their champion and voice at every turn."

In her final speech, Ms Sturgeon - Scotland's first female First Minister and also the longest serving incumbent in the post - described the job as "challenging, exhilarating and exhausting".

However, after 35 years in politics, including 24 as an MSP and 16 in the Scottish Government, she said it is the "right time" for her to step aside. Her successor will be appointed next week.

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