Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Announces She Will Not Be Seeking MSP Re-Election Next Year
Nicola Sturgeon has announced she will not seek re-election as an MSP in next year’s Holyrood election, marking the end of a political career that once dominated Scottish politics. The former First Minister, who resigned in 2023, said representing Glasgow Southside had been “a privilege beyond words” but that it was time to “embrace different opportunities.” Her departure comes after years of electoral success and controversy, including her handling of gender recognition reforms and the ongoing police investigation into SNP finances, which led to the arrest of her husband, Peter Murrell.
Sturgeon’s legacy is a point of fierce debate. While supporters highlight policies such as the Scottish Child Payment and her leadership during the COVID pandemic, critics argue her tenure left Scotland’s public services struggling and did little to advance Scottish independence. The fallout from the Gender Recognition Reform Bill and the SNP’s financial scandal further damaged her standing, with her party now facing declining support. First Minister John Swinney praised her contributions, calling her “one of the most talented politicians of our generation,” while opponents, including the Scottish Conservatives, pointed to what they see as deep divisions left in her wake.
Speculation now turns to what Sturgeon will do next. She has hinted at exploring new opportunities, with some suggesting she could focus on writing or public speaking. Her upcoming appearance at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival and a rumored book release suggest she may be stepping away from frontline politics for good. Regardless of what comes next, her departure marks a significant shift for Scottish politics, leaving the SNP to navigate an uncertain future without its most formidable figure.
