Nicola Sturgeon resigns – live: Tearful Scottish first minister says ‘politics is brutal’ as she quits
The Independent✕ Close ‘My time is now’: Nicola Sturgeon resigns as Scotland’s first minister Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Nicola Sturgeon lamented the “brutal” nature of politics as she announced her resignation as first minister after more than eight years in the job. Speaking at a news conference in Edinburgh earlier, Ms Sturgeon said: “In my head and in my heart I know that the time is now, that it’s right for me, for my party and my country.” She had been heavily criticsed by some in her own party over her stance on transgender issues and her handling of the Isla Bryson case. Ms Sturgeon had also come under fire for saying that her party would fight the next general election as a de-facto referendum on Scottish independence, an issue she said the SNP was now “free” to decide following her exit.