Reaction floods as Nicola Sturgeon resigns as Scotland's First Minister
Leaders from the world of politics and beyond have been paying tribute
Last updated 15th Feb 2023
Figures from the world of politics and beyond are reacting to Nicola Sturgeon’s decision to stand down as Scotland’s First Minister, and leader of the SNP.
Ms Sturgeon confirmed the news at a news conference at Bute House on Wednesday morning, saying “In my head and my heart, I know that time is now.”
The National Secretary of the SNP will now begin the process of electing a new party leader, and the First Minister will remain in office until her successor is in place.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took to Twitter to give his reaction, writing: “My thanks go to Nicola Sturgeon for her long-standing service. I wish her all the best for her next steps. We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government on our joint efforts to deliver for people across Scotland.”
In a statement Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar 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.
"But our country, now more than ever, requires a politics focussed on delivering the change Scotland needs - by uniting Scotland and not dividing it.
"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 be the change that Scotland needs."
Sturgeon "a formidable politician" - Alister Jack
Giving his reaction to the First Minister’s announcement Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "Nicola Sturgeon has been a formidable politician and I thank her for her service as First Minister for eight years. I particularly appreciate the work that she undertook to help us deliver two new Freeports in Scotland, bringing thousands of jobs and millions of pounds of investment.
"A new First Minister will have a real chance to re-focus the Scottish Government on what they were elected to do - improve public services such as health and education that people rely on and that are vital to Scotland's future success.
“Her resignation presents a welcome opportunity for the Scottish Government to change course, and to drop its divisive obsession with independence.
"I want to see a Scottish Government that works hand in hand with the UK Government to realise our full potential as a country.”
The SNP’s Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn MP has also given his reaction:
"Nicola Sturgeon has been the outstanding political leader across Scotland, and indeed the rest of the UK, for a generation.
"As SNP leader, she has taken support for independence to record levels and won every national election, by margins other parties could only wish for.
"As Scotland's longest-serving First Minister, she led with distinction through the covid pandemic, and introduced a raft of progressive policies to make Scotland a fairer place.
"She is a formidable leader, a dedicated public servant and she will be sorely missed by myself, my party and people right across Scotland."
The Scottish Greens, a fellow pro-independence party, paid a glowing tribute to the outgoing FM, with a statement from co-leaders Patrick Harvey and Lorna Slater saying: “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.
“The First Minister was at the helm in developing the Bute House Agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Greens. The agreement was a historic moment in Scottish politics and was endorsed overwhelmingly by Scottish Green and SNP members.
“We look forward to continuing to deliver on our shared ambition for a greener, fairer Scotland, both in the immediate future and with a new First Minister in place.
“Embracing progressive politics will be just one of her many legacies. The Sturgeon era has been built upon compassion, determination and selflessness which have helped anchor our nation through all manner of stormy seas, particularly throughout the Covid pandemic where she led with empathy, strength and dignity.
“We thank her for her endeavour and for her friendship, and commit to continuing our work of government as she plots a new course ahead.”
Trade union and business leaders give their reactions
The news is also reverberating beyond the world of party politics, with STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer saying:
“Throughout her leadership, the First Minister has shown a consistently high level of respect for the role of trade unions in Scotland and has been committed to working with us to establish Scotland as a Fair Work nation.
“Whilst we haven’t always agreed, there can be no doubt that we deeply valued our working relationship, working collaboratively on behalf of Scotland’s workers. This has, in no small part, been indicative of her leadership and personal commitment to respecting the function and position of the STUC and Scotland’s trade union movement. This will, undoubtedly, be a legacy of her time as First Minister and we look forward to continuing that collaborative work with the Scottish Government.
“I want to personally thank the First Minister for her unparalleled, long-standing public service to Scotland. We wish her all good wishes for the future.”
Federation of Small Businesses’ Scotland Policy Chair, Andrew McRae, said:
“We always enjoyed a constructive relationship with the First Minister throughout her record-breaking term – a period which was dominated by some of the greatest challenges our economy and communities have faced in decades.
“We look forward to continuing this positive role as a critical friend with her successor. The incoming First Minister will have an exceptionally challenging in-tray and we would urge them to look to Scotland’s small businesses and the communities they sustain as an early priority.
“We wish Nicola Sturgeon all the very best for whatever comes next. And we look forward to working with her successor, whoever they may be.”