SNP politicians praise 'one of the best public servants of the devolution age'
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Highland members of the parliament have been praising First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after she announced her resignation this morning.
Earlier today, Ms Sturgeon said “In my head, and in my heart, I know that time is now” amid mounting questions about her leadership of the SNP and the government.
The party will now have to choose a new leader having never seriously considered who would replace her as First Minister – potentially leading to splits in the independence movement.
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Among her recent critics was MSP for Inverness and Nairn Fergus Ewing who has been at loggerheads with the government for several months over a number of issues.
He heaped pressure on the SNP leader over gender reform, the delay to dualling the A9 and most recently the hugely controversial bottle return scheme but he still said she was “one of the best public servants of the devolution age.”
One of the youngest MSPs in parliament, Emma Roddick has also voiced criticism and agreement over a number of issues, chiefly the A9, and described her “immeasurable” impact of her “leadership, particularly on young women and girls.”
While former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said “Nicola Sturgeon is the finest First Minister Scotland has ever had” and MP Drew Hendry believes she made the SNP “probably the most successful political party in the democratic world.”
Finally, MSP Maree Todd said: “Her strong leadership and resilience in the face of an often toxic political climate and casual misogyny is inspiring."
Fergus Ewing, Inverness and Nairn MSP
“Nicola Sturgeon has achieved many things over her time as First Minister, not least huge electoral success and leading our country through some of the most difficult times we've seen in recent years,” he said.
“In her moving and heartfelt resignation speech today she again displayed her resilience and strength of character as one of the best public servants of the devolution age.
“Her leadership during the covid crisis gave confidence and support to a great many people, and demonstrated her commitment and determination to provide her all in serving the Scotland she loves.
“We are all grateful to her for her sterling service to the people of Scotland and my party thanks her for what has been a lifelong dedication to the independence movement.
“I wish her and Peter [Murrell, her husband] well for the future.”
Emma Roddick, Highlands and Islands MSP
“Nicola Sturgeon has been an incredible leader with incomparable commitment, calm, and capability through some unpredictably difficult political storms. Her honest, open approach over the pandemic led to trust in her leadership not seen by most administrations, and many listened intently to her daily updates.
“The impact of her leadership, particularly on young women and girls who have watched her lead with empathy, determination, and respect is immeasurable, and I know I’m only one of a great many who now campaign for a fairer Scotland thanks to her influence.
“Her legacy is broad but includes seven incredible electoral wins for the SNP and policies like the baby box, the Scottish Child Payment, and progressive tax policies.
“I did not imagine that Nicola would not be the leader who took the SNP through to independence, but I look forward to the leadership contest to decide who will.
“There are many in the party with the knowledge and passion to do so and I’m sure we will have a quality debate on who offers the best path. We need to continue to inspire people to join the cause – Nicola had that power, and I will be voting for the candidate who shares her progressive values and ability to connect with and convince people from all walks of life.”
Ian Blackford, Ross, Skye & Lochaber MP
“Nicola Sturgeon is the finest First Minister Scotland has ever had and she is the finest friend anyone could ever hope for. I am hugely grateful for her leadership, but I am even more grateful to have had her as a friend for most of my adult life.
“The thoughtfulness, insight and deep dignity of her resignation speech spoke volumes about the kind of leadership she has always shown, but it equally spoke to the kind of human being she is.
“Committed, compassionate, humble and wise – it is the kind of leadership Scotland deserves and the kind of leadership she embodied every single day.
“More than any other person in our movement, Nicola has paved the path in our journey to independence. When Scotland wins her independence, Nicola Sturgeon will have been its architect and builder.
"Our party and our movement stand on the solid foundation she has laid. We owe it to her to finish the job.”
Drew Hendry, Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP
“Nicola Sturgeon has led from the front and has been a leader of invaluable benefit through some of the toughest times imaginable.
"Her open, progressive, and thoughtful approach has given great comfort to many who have felt marginalised and to the masses who needed her guidance and reassurance throughout the pandemic.
“To say that she will be missed as First Minister is a gross understatement. She has earned the right to choose her own personal future after so much invaluable service both to the Scottish public and, through international engagement, to so many others elsewhere.
“This is sad news for those of us in the SNP, but we must thank her for her time as First Minister and leader of the SNP, making it probably the most successful political party in the democratic world.”
Maree Todd, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP
“Like the constituents coming to my surgeries today, I’m feeling sad about the First Minister resigning.
“She’s an incredible politician and has put in an immense shift for us all – leading us through some of the toughest times our country has ever faced.
“Her strong leadership and resilience in the face of an often toxic political climate and casual misogyny is inspiring.
“Having been children’s minister in her government, I know how deeply she cares – she made a Promise and I know she’ll keep it.
“Some of the words people have used today in tribute are not commonplace in politics: integrity, humility, humanity, love. A rare talent indeed. I look forward to seeing what she does next and I wish her all the best."
