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.
13. Laura Anne Jones (Shadow Minister for Education and Welsh Parliament Member)
"Nicola Sturgeon has announced she’s resigning. This is what happens when you decide to play politics with the lives and safety of women and children." Photo: Welsh Conservatives Website
14. Michael Russell (SNP President)
"As President of (The SNP) I thank (Ms Sturgeon) for her extraordinary and brilliant leadership of her party and country... As a friend for 30 years I wish her all the best and look forward to her continuing huge contribution to our national wellbeing and success." Photo: Submitted