Scotland’s former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to step down as MSP at 2026 Holyrood election

Scotland’s former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is to face down as an MSP, she has introduced.

The ex-SNP chief showed she would no longer search re-election on the Holyrood election in Would possibly subsequent yr.

In a commentary printed on social media, she stated making the verdict have been “a ways from simple”.

She added: “Then again, I’ve recognized in my center for some time that the time is correct for me to embody other alternatives in a brand new bankruptcy of my lifestyles, and to permit you to choose a brand new usual bearer.”

Sturgeon resigned as first minister in March 2023 after 8 years within the function.

She is Scotland’s longest-serving first minister and the primary girl to carry the placement.

Her resignation as celebration chief marked the start of a tumultuous length for her and the SNP.

In June 2023 she used to be arrested and launched at no cost as a part of a police investigation into SNP budget. She insists she has accomplished not anything flawed.

Her husband Peter Murrell, who had lengthy served because the SNP’s leader government, has since been charged with embezzling SNP budget.

In January, Sturgeon introduced that the pair had made up our minds to finish their marriage.

The Glasgow Southside MSP is without doubt one of the authentic MSPs elected in 1999.

In her letter to constituents, she highlighted insurance policies offered all over her time in place of work such because the Scottish Kid Fee and expanded early years schooling.

She stated: “I joined the SNP in 1986 as a result of I sought after to play my section in development an even and wealthy Scotland and I’ve devoted my lifestyles to that process ever since.

“I thought then that successful our nation’s independence used to be very important to Scotland achieving her complete attainable, and I nonetheless do.

“Although I’m getting ready to go away elected politics, I’m hoping to give a contribution in several tactics to creating that ambition a truth.”

Sturgeon succeeded Alex Salmond as SNP chief and primary minister in 2014.

The long-time pals remained shut allies till their fallout over her govt’s mishandling of harassment court cases towards him.

Salmond died elderly 69 whilst attending a convention in North Macedonia in October 2024. Sturgeon didn’t attend his funeral or memorial carrier.

She led the SNP to a chain of election victories at UK, Scottish and native degree.

This integrated a ancient landslide within the 2015 common election, the place the celebration gained 56 of the 59 seats in Scotland.

In 2022, the United Kingdom Excellent Courtroom dominated that Holyrood didn’t have the ability to degree every other independence referendum – a transfer blocked by way of the United Kingdom govt.

Sturgeon used to be succeeded by way of Humza Yousaf as first minister.

He lasted only a yr within the function, stepping down remaining April after a choice to tear up a power-sharing settlement with the Scottish Vegetables left him going through a vote of no self belief.

Yousaf introduced in December remaining yr that he’s to face down as an MSP on the 2026 Holyrood election.

Following Sturgeon’s newest announcement, Yousaf posted on X: “I’m excited to peer what Nicola is going directly to do subsequent.

“She is without doubt one of the maximum gifted politicians of our technology. I’m in my opinion thankful for her recommendation, accept as true with, and friendship through the years. With each just right want Nicola Sturgeon.”

Yousaf used to be changed as first minister by way of Sturgeon’s deputy John Swinney, who after a deficient appearing at July’s common election has observed reinforce for SNP stabilise within the polls.

Swinney stated he used to be “very sorry” that Sturgeon used to be stepping down and thanked her for her “peculiar contribution” to Scottish politics.

He added that the previous first minister had “many various coverage achievements to be happy with in converting the lives of other people in Scotland for the easier”.

Sturgeon advised BBC Scotland Information in December that she used to be focussed on her constituents after being criticised for talking simply 4 instances within the parliament remaining yr.

She has made 4 contributions within the chamber up to now this yr, although 3 had been to inform the presiding officer she had an issue along with her balloting app.

Scottish Conservative deputy chief Rachael Hamilton stated her celebration wanted any departing MSP smartly “however we can’t put out of your mind the deep divisions in our nation that Nicola Sturgeon created, fostered and inspired”.

She added: “Via any goal research, her file as first minister is one in all failure. Scottish schooling requirements collapsed on her watch and the poverty-related attainment hole, which she promised to remove, widened.”

Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour chief, stated Sturgeon’s announcement marked “the tip of an technology in Scottish politics”.

“While I’ve many disagreements along with her, I by no means doubted her interest for Glasgow and Scotland. I want her smartly for the longer term,” he added.

Scottish Lib Dem chief Alex Cole-Hamilton stated: “The SNP were in persistent for too lengthy, and the departure of every other giant determine is additional evidence in their decline.”