Feb 15,2023: Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon resigned after serving eight years in the job.
Sturgeon became the leader of the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) in the wake of its 2014 independence referendum when the country voted 55 percent to remain as part of the United Kingdom.
“I will remain in office until my successor is elected,” Sturgeon said at a press briefing on Wednesday.
Under her tenure, Sturgeon led her party to a resounding success at the 2015 UK election, winning 56 of 59 seats in Scotland and establishing it as Britain’s third-largest party, before she retained control over the devolved parliament at more recent elections.
She had recently become embroiled in a row over transgender policies after Scotland passed a Gender Recognition Reform Bill, making it easier for people to change their legal gender.
She was also a scathing critic of UK’s departure from the European Union – a move opposed by a majority of voters in Scotland – and said she wants a new referendum to be held before the end of 2023.
