Nicola Sturgeon will reportedly resign as Scotland's First Minister

According to the BBC, Nicola Sturgeon will step down as First Minister of Scotland. Having served in the role of First Minister since November 2014, this morning (February 15th) at 11am, a press conference will take place at her official Edinburgh residence, Bute House, for the announcement.

It is unclear whether she will resign immediately or remain in the position until a new leader of the Scottish National Party is elected. As reported by the BBC's chief political correspondent, Nick Eardley, a source close to the leader stated, "She's had enough."

Separately, The Guardian confirms that Nicola Sturgeon is to quit as Scotland's First Minister in a shock decision.

Sturgeon has recently faced a number of political setbacks, most notably the UK Supreme Court's rejection of her plans for another independence referendum.

The news of Nicola Sturgeon's impending resignation surprised Alison Thewliss, the SNP MP for Glasgow Central and the party's home affairs spokesperson.

Absolutely gutted about this. Nicola has been an incredible leader. https://t.co/0baIAbEFJz

— Alison Thewliss 🧡 (@alisonthewliss) February 15, 2023

SNP MP Stewart McDonald described Nicola Sturgeon as "the finest public servant of the devolution age" amid reports of her impending departure.

Alongside a photo of himself with Ms Sturgeon, the Glasgow South MP wrote on Twitter: "Nicola Sturgeon is the finest public servant of the devolution age".

“Her public service, personal resilience and commitment to Scotland is unmatched, and she has served our party unlike anyone else. She will be an enormous loss as First Minister and SNP leader. Thank you!”

Nicola Sturgeon is the finest public servant of the devolution age. Her public service, personal resilience and commitment to Scotland is unmatched, and she has served our party unlike anyone else. She will be an enormous loss as First Minister and SNP leader. Thank you! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/DyeJU5EkIV

— Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) February 15, 2023

For the former deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neil, "it’s with deep regret to see Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation."

"Nicola is a formidable leader who very ably represented the best of Scotland as First Minister," O‘Neil expressed her appreciation for Nicola‘s progress towards Scottish independence and her advocacy for Scottish interests.

It’s with deep regret to see Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation

Nicola is a formidable leader who very ably represented the best of Scotland as First Minister

She made huge strides in advancing Scottish independence & standing up for Scottish interests

Her leadership will be missed pic.twitter.com/OSN5MI3jBJ

— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) February 15, 2023