After over decade of leadership, First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has formally resigned from the role and as party leader this morning. Ruth took to social media to thank Nicola publicly for all she has done for the country and the party.
Ruth shared;
As our first female and longest serving First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon has been inspirational. Arguably one of the most talented and successful politicians our country has ever produced, I am sorry to see her stand down as First Minister and Leader of the SNP however, respect that in taking that difficult decision so she has shown great courage.
We are all human beings as well as politicians. Being in the front line of politics takes its toll, not only on the individuals but also on people’s families and friends. No one has borne that more than Nicola Sturgeon, not least as she led our nation through the uncharted waters of a global pandemic. Her strength, integrity and leadership through those most difficult times of the pandemic is something that I will be eternally grateful for.
As the First Minister herself has said, her resignation also gives us all an opportunity as politicians to reflect and consider the current nature of and culture in politics. We all have an opportunity to try to de-polarise and de-personalise public debate, to focus more on issues, and to reset the tone of discourse.
Nicola leaves a huge legacy, I thank her for all she has done for Scotland.
Ruth Maguire MSP 