Sturgeon and others react as PM set to resign

A number of Scotland’s leading politicians have reacted to the news of Boris Johnsons imminent resignation today.

Nicola Sturgeon

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said there will be "widespread sense of relief" as the Prime Minister prepares to stand down.

It comes just days after Johnson rejected the First Minister’s request for a transfer of powers to trigger a second independence referendum.

The Prime Minister will stay on as interim leader until the Tories elect a new leader, which is expected to be before the party's conference in October.

Ms Sturgeon pondered whether that was "sustainable".

On Twitter she said: "There will be a widespread sense of relief that the chaos of the last few days (indeed months) will come to an end, though notion of Boris Johnson staying on as PM until autumn seems far from ideal, and surely not sustainable?"

She added that the Prime Minister was "manifestly unfit" to be Prime Minister, claiming that the events of this week shows the "Westminster system is broken".

"For (Scotland) the democratic deficit inherent in Westminster government doesn't get fixed with a change of PM.

"None of the alternative Tory PMs would ever be elected in Scotland. And in policy terms, it is hard to see what real difference hard Brexit supporting Labour offers.

"Independence only happens if a majority living in Scotland choose it - but there is no doubt it offers the real and permanent alternative to Westminster, and the opportunity to fulfil our potential at home and play our part as a good global citizen. It's time for that choice."

Dozens of Tory MPS have resigned in the last 24-hours, as well as the Prime Minister sacking levelling up Minister Michael Gove.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson agrees to stand down as Prime Minister

Anas Sarwar

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also reacted on social media.

He posted on Twitter: “Whoever replaces the Prime Minister will have been "complicit" in his administration.

"The entire country will breathe a sigh of relief that Boris Johnson is going,"

"But, let's not forget that whoever replaces him is complicit. We don't just need a change at the top, we need a change of Government."

READ MORE: Who could replace Boris Johnson?

Ian Blackford

SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford MP said in a statement: "Boris Johnson's resignation is welcome but for Scotland it changes very little – we’re still controlled by a Westminster system that saw fit to make him Prime Minister.

"Whoever replaces him, Scotland will still be saddled with a Tory government we didn't vote for imposing Brexit, austerity cuts and damaging policies against Scotland's will.

"And with all the Westminster parties fully signed up to a hard Brexit, it is clear a change of government alone cannot provide the real change that Scotland needs.

"The only way to escape the damage of Westminster control is to become an independent country, with the full powers needed to regain our place in Europe and build a fair and prosperous future.

"Whoever takes over from Boris Johnson must respect the democratic mandate Scotland has to hold an independence referendum so we can escape Westminster control for good."

Alister Jack

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “I am sad to see Boris Johnson stand down as Prime Minister. He has achieved a huge amount in office, including delivering Brexit, supporting the country through covid, and leading the international response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Most importantly, he has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Union.

“Boris is a good friend, as well as the leader of my party, and I wish him well for the future.

“I know that the next leader of the Conservative Party will build on Boris Johnson’s many achievements. I look forward to the party electing a leader who will unite us, and get on with the business of delivering for people throughout the United Kingdom.”

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