Sturgeon resigns as first minister of Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon has resigned as Scotland's first minister, after more than eight years in the job.

She made the announcement at a news conference in Edinburgh.

Sturgeon became First Minister in November 2014, taking over from Alex Salmond, following the independence referendum and is now the longest-serving first minister of Scotland, as well as the first woman to hold the position.

She became a member of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 and deputy leader of the SNP in 2004.

She will remain in office until a successor is elected.

Sturgeon said: "Since the very first moment in the job, I have believed that part of serving well would be to know, almost instinctively, when the time is right to make way for someone else.

"And when that time came, to have the courage to do so, even if to many across the country, and in my party, might feel it too soon.

"In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. That it is right for me, for my party and for the country.

"And so today I am announcing my intention to step down as first minister and leader of my party."

Sturgeon said that the decision is not due to short-term pressures, but comes after deep assessment and that she had been considering it for some weeks.

Ian Blackford, SNP MP, said: "Nicola Sturgeon is the finest First Minster Scotland has ever had, and the finest friend anyone could hope for.

"When Scotland wins independence, she will have been its architect and builder. She has laid the foundations we all now stand on.

"We owe it to her to finish the job."

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said: "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."