Nicola Sturgeon resigns – live: Tearful Scottish first minister says ‘politics is brutal’ as she quits

Nicola Sturgeon lamented the “brutal” nature of politics as she announced her resignation as first minister after more than eight years in the job.

The outgoing FM insisted that recent “pressures” had no role to play in her decision to resign.

The SNP leader said she was “confident” of leading her party to further electoral success but that the time was “right” for her to step aside.

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.

The outgoing FM had also come under fire for saying that her party would fight the next general election as a de-facto referendum on independence, an issue she said the SNP was now “free” to decide following her exit.

Key Points

• Nicola Sturgeon resigns

• Corbyn banned from standing for Labour at election

• No 10 ethics adviser to take over probe into claims of Islamophobia in Tory Party

Could a new Brexit deal really end the Northern Ireland protocol saga?

14:35 , Matt Mathers

The DUP is undeterred in its opposition to the protocol, writes Sean O’Grady.

Read Sean’s full piece here:

Could a deal with the EU really end the Northern Ireland protocol saga?

Analysis shows absence of levelling up in council funding

14:06 , Matt Mathers

Large disparities in the core spending power of councils in the poorest and wealthiest areas caused by previous austerity measures have only marginally narrowed in the last two years, new analysis shows.

Data shared exclusively with the PA news agency shows that a reliance on council tax to fund frontline services continues to provide financial protection for local authorities in prosperous areas, raising questions over the Government’s levelling up agenda.

Jonathan Bunn reports:

Analysis shows absence of levelling up in council funding

Why has Nicola Sturgeon resigned?

13:34 , Matt Mathers

Nicola Sturgeon has announced her resignation, saying that “in my head and in my heart I know that the time is now”.

She insisted that recent “short-term pressures” played no role in her departure.

So why did she resign? Our politics correspondent Adam Forrest reports:

Why has Nicola Sturgeon resigned?

FM - I won’t comment on successor

13:15 , Matt Mathers

Scotland’s first minister said she would not give an opinion on who she wanted to succeed her as SNP leader.

Taking questions from reporters after announcing her intention to step down, Nicola Sturgeon said: “This is a question that no matter how many times you ask it of me over the next few weeks, no matter how many inventive ways you find of asking it, I’m not going to say who my preference will be to succeed me.

“What I do know is that the SNP is awash with talented individuals.

“One of the things I’ve often reflected on is that when a political party, any political party in any country, has very dominant individuals, others – through no fault of the dominant individual, I should say, and often not through want of trying – become eclipsed.

“So what I’m looking forward to, and I think the country will enjoy over these next few weeks, is seeing that talent and seeing that array of talent.”

She added: “I believe I have led this country closer to independence, I believe we are in the final phase of that journey.

“I believe that my successor, whoever he or she may be, will lead Scotland to independence, and I’ll be there cheering him or her on every step of the way.”

SNP MP calls for ‘reform and headling’ of party

12:55 , Matt Mathers

SNP MP Joanna Cherry has called for “reform and healing” in her party, asking for it to react to the resignation of Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon in “a way that is beneficial to the country and the cause of independence”.

“It is vital that (the SNP) reacts to the resignation of #NicolaSturgeon in a way that is beneficial to the country and the cause of independence,” the MP for Edinburgh South West tweeted.

“Our party needs a leadership election that is about policies and not personalities.

“We must restore the SNP’s tradition of internal party democracy, open respectful debate and intellectual rigour and we must also put the welfare of everyone living in Scotland back at the heart of our endeavours.

“There are some huge challenges facing our country and our government. There is also a need for reform and healing within our party. I’m looking forward to playing my role in this process.”

Ian Blackford pays tribute to ‘finest FM Scotland has had'

12:40 , Matt Mathers

Ian Blackford, Scottish MP and former leader of the SNP in Westminster, has said Nicola Sturgeon is the “finest first minster Scotland has ever had”.

“Nicola Sturgeon is the finest First Minster Scotland has ever had, and the finest friend anyone could hope for,” he tweeted.

“When Scotland wins independence, she will have been its architect and builder. She has laid the foundations we all now stand on.

“We owe it to her to finish the job.”

Sunak pays tribute to outgoing FM

12:25 , Matt Mathers

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has thanked Nicola Sturgeon "for her long-standing” public service.

“I wish her all the best for her next steps,” he said.

“We will continue to work closely with the @scotgov on our joint efforts to deliver for people across Scotland.”

‘Thank you'

12:05 , Matt Mathers

Sturgeon finishes by paying tribute to the Scottish people, “whether you voted for me or not”.

She says serving the country has been the “privilege of my life”.

“Nothing, absolutely nothing, I do in future will ever come anywhere close,” she adds.

“Thank you from the very bottom of my heart”.

SNP must reach across political divide - FM

12:00 , Matt Mathers

She says that support needs to “grow further” if Scotland were to prosper outside the UK if it eventually left.

FM says to achieve that her party must reach across the political divide.

“My judgment now is that a new leader will be able to do this”.

I believe there is a majority for independence

11:57 , Matt Mathers

FM says that one of the difficulties in coming to her decision was that she was “confident” that she would lead her party to further electoral success.

She points out, at this moment in time, SNP is well ahead of other parties in the polls.

But the longer a leader is in office, Sturgeon adds, the more opinions about them become “fixed” and “very hard to change”.

Sturgeon says that polls come and go before saying she believes that there is now a “majority” for independence.

But that support needs to be solidified, she adds.

SNP ‘free’ to choose own course on de-facto referendum

11:50 , Matt Mathers

Sturgeon says her views as a leader would carry “enormous” and probably “decisive” weight when the SNP conference meets next month.

She says she can’t in “good conscience” force her party to choose an option endorsed by her but one which she would not be able to “see it through.”

FM adds that her decision to stand down leaves the SNP “free” to choose its own course on the issue of a de-facto referendum.

‘Critical moment'

11:46 , Matt Mathers

She says she owes it to her party to step aside during what she describes as a “critical moment” in Scotland’s politics.

FM cites UK government blocking of a second referendum, saying this “puts the onus on us” to decide how democracy can be “protected” in Scotland.

She said her plan to use the next Westminster elections as a de-factor poll on independence is “well known”.

“I’ve never pretended it’s perfect - no second-best option is,” she adds, saying there is “no alternative”.

I have a duty to go now

11:42 , Matt Mathers

FM says she could have “battled on” for another few months.

“But if the question is, ‘can I give this job everything it demands and deserves for another year?’ - let alone for the remainder of the parliamentary term...the answer is different.”

Sturgeon says that is her conclusion, adding that, given the scale of the challenges the country faces, she has a duty to walk away now.

11:38 , Matt Mathers

She says all of these factors take a toll on a person and “those around you”.

FM says leading Scotland through Covid pandemic was the toughest thing she has done.

It was only recently that I began to process the mental and physical stress of that time, Sturgeon adds.

Watch: Nicola Sturgeon says she has been ‘wrestling with decision’ to resign as first minister

11:35 , Matt Mathers

‘Brutal'

11:35 , Matt Mathers

FM cites the difficulties of modern life as a politician.

She says that even going for a walk by yourself or a coffee with friends can be difficult.

She also references the coarsening of political discourse in recent years, saying it has become almost “brutal”.

‘Danger of becoming too long'

11:33 , Matt Mathers

FM says that giving everything to the job is the “only way” to do it.

She says it has been difficult not spending enough time with her family and would like to do this when she steps down.

She adds that the job can only be done - by anyone - “for so long”.

“For me, it is in danger of becoming too long”

‘These jobs are hard'

11:30 , Matt Mathers

Sturgeon says she has concluded that the answer is “no”, she is not the person to continue leading.

She says, referencing her time as deputy FM, “these jobs are hard”.

In the case of FM this was “relentlessly so”, she adds.

I’ve been wrestling with the decision for weeks

11:28 , Matt Mathers

Sturgeon claims she has been “wrestling” with the decision to stand down “for some weeks”.

FM says she has been trying to answer two questions: is carrying on right for me and “more importantly” is carrying on “right for the country”, the part and the independence cause “I have devoted my life to”.

FM says she has been having to work “harder” recently to convince herself that she is the right person to lead both her party and country.

FM insists decision not due to recent pressure

11:23 , Matt Mathers

To those who might be upset by my decision, Sturgeon says, “please know that, while hard - be in no doubt this is really hard for me - my decision comes from a place of duty”.

Sturgeon now starts setting out her reasons for quitting the role.

She insisted the decision is not influenced by short-term pressures.

Sturgeon says the decision comes from a “deeper” and “longer-term assessment”.

I’ll remain in post until successor chosen

11:18 , Matt Mathers

Sturgeon officially confirms her intention to stand down as SNP and first minister.

She says she has already asked her party to begin the process of finding a new leader.

“I will remain in office until my successor is elected,” she adds.

‘In my heart I know'

11:16 , Matt Mathers

She adds that some in her party might feel that her decision has come “too soon”.

But “in my heart I know that time is now,” she says.

Sturgeon adds that it is the right time for her, her party and the country.

Who will replace Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader?

11:15 , Matt Mathers

Who could replace Sturgeon in the top job and lead the charge for Scottish independence? The Independent takes a look at the most likely replacements:

Who will replace Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader?

Time is right to stand down - Sturgeon

11:14 , Matt Mathers

Sturgeon says she is proud to be the first female and longest-standing incumbent FM.

She adds that she is “very proud” of what her government has achieved over the past eight years.

However, she adds, she has always known that part of good governing is knowing when to stand aside.

She says that time is now.

11:11 , Matt Mathers

Sturgeon is speaking now.

She thanks reporters for attending the news conference.

Starts by saying the role of FM is the “best in the world”.

Strugeon to remain in post until successor chosen

11:09 , Matt Mathers

Sturgeon will remain in her post as first minister until a successor is chosen, Sky News reports.

Angus Robertson, the party’s former leader at Westminster, Kate Forbes and Humza Yousaf are among some of those tipped to replace her.

The FM is expected to speak shortly.

Sturgeon about to speak

10:57 , Matt Mathers

Sturgeon is about to speak at a press conference in Edinburgh.

We’ll bring you updates throughout the address.

Stay tuned for updates as the first minister announces she’s quitting after eight years.

You can also watch the news conference on our YouTube channel:

Live: Nicola Sturgeon expected to announce resignation as Scotland's first minister

‘Completely dumbfounded'

10:56 , Matt Mathers

Many in the SNP are “dumbfounded” by today’s news, says Lewis Goodall, host of the popular Newsagents podcast.

“General feeling among SNP sources right now is one of being completely dumbfounded,” he writes on Twitter.

“ They knew she was under real political pressure but didn’t expect this- certainly not now.”

‘Bad news for Tories'

10:53 , Matt Mathers

Sturgeon’s resignation could be “bad news” for the Conservatives, ITV’s Paul Brand has suggested.

He says if Labour performs well north of the border then Rishi Sunak’s party could be in trouble, having “benefited from political polarisation” at recent polls.

SNP MP pays tribute to Sturgeon

10:48 , Matt Mathers

SNP MP Stewart McDonald described Nicola Sturgeon as “the finest public servant of the devolution age” amid reports of her expected departure as Scottish first minister.

“Nicola Sturgeon is the finest public servant of the devolution age,” the MP for Glasgow South tweeted, sharing a photograph of himself with Ms Sturgeon.

“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!”

‘Gutted'

10:46 , Matt Mathers

Alison Thewliss, the SNP MP for Glasgow Central and the party’s home affairs spokesperson, said she was “gutted” at news of Nicola Sturgeon’s impending resignation.

She tweeted: “Absolutely gutted about this. Nicola has been an incredible leader.”

‘There’s plenty left in the tank at the moment'

10:45 , Matt Mathers

A video has resurfaced showing Sturgeon saying “there’s plenty left in the tank” when asked if she would be the SNP leader who takes Scotland out of the UK.

The clip was posted by BBC journalist Laura Kuenssberg on Wednesday morning after it was reported Sturgeon would announce her resignation.

Kuenssberg interviewed Sturgeon last month on her Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show. Watch the exchange below:

‘She just had enough'

10:32 , Matt Mathers

More coming in on the Sturgeon story now.

An SNP source has told Sky News that the party leader had “just had enough”.

Ms Sturgeon’s popularity has taken a tumble of late and support for independence has dropped in recent weeks, after a bounce in the immediate aftermath of a Supreme Court ruling that said Scotland could not hold a second poll without consent from Westminster.

Sturgeon has also been criticised over trans issues, with her government having recently passed the Gender Recognition Reform Bill.

No 10 ethics adviser to investigate claims of Islamophobia in Tory Party

10:23 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak’s ethics adviser will take over an investigation into alleged Islamophobia following claims by an MP that she was sacked as a minister because of her faith, it is reported.

It comes after The Independent revealed that Anneliese Dodds, the Labour Party chairwoman, wrote to her opposite number Greg Hands calling on him to reopen an investigation into claims made by Nusrat Ghani, who said she was told by party whip she was sacked because her “Muslimness” had been “making colleagues uncomfortable”.

Mark Spencer, chief whip at the time, rejected the claims and described them as “completely false” and “defamatory”.

The BBC said when asked about the probe, head of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission Marcial Boo said he would be following up on it with Sir Laurie.

Corbyn will not stand as Labour candidate at next election, Keir Starmer says

10:16 , Matt Mathers

As we mentioned earlier, Jeremy Corbyn has been effectively sacked by Keir Starmer.

Mr Corbyn, who had the whip suspended over his handling of anti-semitism while leader, has been told he will not stand as a Labour candidate at the next election.

Jon Stone has more on that one too:

Jeremy Corbyn will not stand as Labour candidate at next election, Keir Starmer says

Nicola Sturgeon set to resign as Scottish first minister

10:14 , Matt Mathers

Our policy correspondent Jon Stone has more on the Sturgeon resignation:

Nicola Sturgeon set to resign as Scottish first minister

10:11 , Matt Mathers

Good morning and welcome to the Independent’s live politics coverage.

So much for the quiet recess: Nicola Sturgeon is expected to resign later today and Jeremy Corbyn has been banned from standing as a Labour candidate at the next general election.

Stay tuned for all the latest updates.