Nicola Sturgeon dubbed ‘finest public servant’ of devolution age
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh where she has announced that she will stand down as First Minister of Scotland after eight years. (Jane Barlow/PA)
Nicola Sturgeon was dubbed the “finest public servant” of the devolution age by one of her party’s MPs following news she will resign.
British prime minister Rishi Sunak has thanked Nicola Sturgeon “for her long-standing service”, adding on Twitter: “We will continue to work closely with the @scotgov on our joint efforts to deliver for people across Scotland.”
Leo Varadkar recalled working with Ms Sturgeon through the British Irish Council as well as her visit to Dublin during his first tenure as Taoiseach.
"I always found Nicola a very warm person, articulate and thoughtful, and a very capable politician, who showed huge commitment to her country. She was also a true European," he said.
"I wish Nicola and her family the very best for the future."
Tánaiste Micheál Martin also paid tribute to the outgoing First Minister saying: "Over many years, Nicola has demonstrated strong leadership rooted in her vision for Scotland.
"Ireland and Scotland are close neighbours and friends, and I have greatly appreciated and valued my regular engagement with the First Minister, particularly at British-Irish Council summits.
"I want to wish her all the best and look forward to engaging with her successor in due course."
Stewart McDonald MP for Glasgow South tweeted: “Nicola Sturgeon is the finest public servant of the devolution age.
Scottish Deputy First Minister John Swinney, one of several possible candidates who could succeed Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the SNP, has thanked the First Minister after her decision to step down.
“I am very sorry (Ms Sturgeon) has decided to step down as First Minister and (the SNP) leader,” he tweeted.
“She has given outstanding leadership to our country, Government and Party.”
Mr Swinney, who is touted as one of Ms Sturgeon’s successors, acknowledged Ms Sturgeon’s role as the first female and longest serving First Minister.
“She has achieved so much for Scotland. Minimum unit pricing of alcohol, expansion of early learning, measures to tackle domestic violence, delivery of The Promise and crucially, leadership through Covid, are just some.
“For our Party, she has delivered breathtaking electoral success, winning every election during her leadership, and securing two Scottish Parliament victories.
“It has been my privilege to support her as Deputy First Minister. She has my warmest good wishes for the future and heartfelt thanks for all that she has done for Scotland, for the cause of Independence and the Scottish National Party.”
Nicola Sturgeon stood down on Wednesday morning, saying Nicola Sturgeon the “time is now” for her to stand down as Scotland’s First Minister, adding that it was “right for me, for my party and for the country”.
SNP president Michael Russell has thanked Nicola Sturgeon for her “extraordinary and brilliant leadership” after she announced her resignation as Scottish First Minister.
“As President of (The SNP) I thank (Ms Sturgeon) for her extraordinary and brilliant leadership of her party and country,” he tweeted.
“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.”
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken, thanked Ms Sturgeon for her contribution. She said: “Thank you Nicola Sturgeon for everything. You’ve been a magnificent leader of our country, the SNP and Scotland’s cause.
“Your combination of intelligence, empathy, eloquence and conviction as First Minister will serve as an example and inspiration for a very long time.
“You have more than earned the right to leave on your terms with head held high but you will be missed so much.”
Tributes have also been paid across the political spectrum, with Roz Foyer, general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) thanking her for her commitment to the trade union movement.
Ms Foyer said: “Throughout her leadership, the First Minister has shown a consistently high level of respect for the role of trade unions in Scotland and has been committed to working with us to establish Scotland as a Fair Work nation.
“I want to personally thank the First Minister for her unparalleled, long-standing public service to Scotland. We wish her all good wishes for the future.”
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