Nicola Sturgeon unveiled her resignation as first minister and party leader of the Scottish National Party on February 15. After working under former SNP Leader Alex Salmond from 2004, she eventually rose to party leader by 2014.
Speaking of her resignation, Sturgeon said it was the right time to go and the decision was clear “in my head and heart” after finding the intensity of politics unbearable. Following the Gender Recognition Reform Bill which Sturgeon backed in order to ‘modernise gender recognition’, critics slammed her as it was denounced as an affront to women’s rights.
The Independent reports that she denied the gender identification row (and controversy of the incarceration of biological male rapists in women’s prison) was the “straw that broke the camel’s back”. That said, some rallied together to celebrate Sturgeon’s legacy like Lorraine Kelly who called her a “brilliant politician” or Anas Sarwar saying her work was “worthy of respect and thanks.”
What’s clear from responses is that Sturgeon has also sparked great controversy during her premiership as some responses reveal in the following fourteen quotes from political figures.
5. Anas Sarwar (Scottish Labour Leader)
“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. 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 focused on delivering the change Scotland needs – by uniting Scotland and not dividing it." Photo: Submitted
6. Julia Hartley-Brewer (Radio presenter and political journalist)
“Any politician who tells you that a man can magically become a woman is stupid, insane or a liar. Goodbye @NicolaSturgeon and good riddance. And the same to every other politician who claims the same thing. You are a danger to women and girls. We will not tolerate it. #TerfPower.” Photo: Submitted
7. Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)
"My thanks go to @NicolaSturgeon for her long-standing service. I wish her all the best for her next steps. We will continue to work closely with the @scotgov on our joint efforts to deliver for people across Scotland." Photo: Submitted
8. Alex Cole-Hamilton (Scottish LibDem Leader)
"It’s not the be-all and end-all, she’s not some sort of messiah. She's a politician and a very able and competent politician at that. But at the same time I think people want their politics to be done differently in Scotland. They want people to focus on the cost of living, on their NHS waiting times, on their kids' schooling. All of which played second fiddle to Nicola Sturgeon's primary aim throughout the premiership which was the breakup of the United Kingdom." Photo: Submitted