Nicola Sturgeon’s colleagues in Renfrewshire have expressed their shock at the news of her resignation, describing it as “devastating”.
The announcement on Wednesday morning came as a surprise to most people, with Ms Sturgeon revealing her decision to leave the role in a press conference at Bute House.
The SNP leader told the room of journalists: “Today, I am announcing my intention to step down as First Minister and leader of my party,” adding that she “will remain in office until my successor is elected”.
She said the “decision is not a reaction to short term pressures,” and that “it comes from a deeper and longer term assessment”.
Politicians from across the spectrum, including Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, spoke out to thank Ms Sturgeon for her service, saying she was an “able politician” and led Scotland through some of the most “challenging times” in recent history.
Her SNP colleagues in Renfrewshire were full of praise for their leader, who has served for more than eight years, making her the longest serving First
Minister.
Paisley MSP George Adam said: “Nicola Sturgeon is an incredible First Minister and an inspirational woman to work for.
“She gave her all for Scotland and our people and showed us a better way for Scotland.
“I am devastated by her decision but respect her reasons for that decision.
“The world does not have enough Nicola Sturgeons in it and that is unfortunate for us all.”
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, described Ms Sturgeon as a trailblazer, saying she had “broken the male stranglehold on the highest office in our land”.
Renfrewshire North and West MSP, Natalie Don revealed she was “extremely saddened” by the First Minister’s announcement, but that she too was grateful for the path Ms Sturgeon had carved out for female politicians in Holyrood.
She said: “As the first female leader of Scotland, she has been a true inspiration to me and so many others, bringing a more human side to politics, showing compassion, care and integrity under some of the most difficult circumstances many leaders have ever had to endure.”
Mr Newlands added: “Like everyone else, I was shocked at yesterday’s announcement by the First Minister.
“First and fundamentally, Scotland is a better country for having Nicola Sturgeon as our First Minister.”
He went on to praise her for the government’s Covid-19 response, saying: “Nicola steered our country through the most traumatic and devastating crisis since the war with dignity and leadership”, and pointed to various policies “that have improved the lives of millions of people across Scotland, including the Scottish Child Payment, free early years learning and childcare, unprecedented investment in our infrastructure, free prescriptions for all, period dignity, and so much more”.
Tributes were also paid by the SNP’s coalition partner, the Scottish Green Party, including West Scotland MSP Ross Greer, who said it had “been a privilege to campaign and work alongside
her”.
He added: “Nicola Sturgeon has made history repeatedly throughout her time in office, shown that compassion is a strength rather than weakness in politics and often defended progressive values when others folded.”
Speaking from the podium at Bute House, Ms Sturgeon said the pressures of occupying the highest office in the land had taken its toll on her.
She said: “I could go on for another few months, six months, a year maybe, but I know as time passed, I would have less and less energy to give to the job.
“I owe it to the country to say it now.”
West Scotland Labour MSP, Neil Bibby sympathised with the First Minister on this point, saying that he wished her well and that: “Regardless of my political differences with her, I recognise her service in government for many years, including through the covid pandemic and I respect everything she has said about the personal toll her time in office has had on her and her family.”
Despite his message of support for Ms Sturgeon in what he described as a “huge moment for her personally”, he was keen to call for a change in government, adding: “After 16 years of an SNP government that is failing on so many levels, it is clear our country now more than ever, requires a politics focussed on delivering the change communities in Renfrewshire need.”
“It is clear that Scotland needs new ideas and new passion to make our country the best place to grow up and grow old in.
“Labour will aspire to win the confidence of the public – and to be the change that Scotland needs.”
Ms Sturgeon will remain FM until her successor is elected by the SNP and she will stay as an MSP until at least the next Holyrood election in May 2026.
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