Nicola Sturgeon will step down as First Minister of Scotland, she has confirmed. In a shock announcement, the SNP leader said she believes it is the right time to stand aside.
She told a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh on Wednesday she has instructed the SNP to begin the process of electing a new leader. However she said she would remain in office until her successor is chosen.
The longest serving – and first female – First Minister denied she was reacting to recent pressures which have seen her embroiled in a fight to push through gender reforms only for them to be blocked by the UK government. She has also been forced to deal with the housing of transgender prisoners in women's facilities.
