The Church of Scotland has sent well wishes to the former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, after she announced her resignation as leader of the Scottish National Party on Monday.
Sturgeon, who had been in the position for over six years, made the announcement at a press conference in Edinburgh, stating that it was time for “someone else to take forward the leadership of the SNP.” Her resignation has come as a surprise to many, as Sturgeon was a popular leader who had led the party to significant gains in recent years.
The Church of Scotland has been quick to respond to the news, with the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Right Reverend Dr. Martin Fair, sending well wishes to Sturgeon in a statement released on Tuesday. The statement reads, “We send our thanks and appreciation to Nicola Sturgeon for her dedicated service to the people of Scotland. As she steps down from her role as leader of the Scottish National Party, we wish her well in all her future endeavors.”
The Church of Scotland has had a long history of involvement in Scottish politics, and the Moderator’s statement reflects the importance of Sturgeon’s role in the country’s political landscape. Sturgeon has been a vocal advocate for Scottish independence, and her leadership of the SNP has been instrumental in driving the party’s political agenda.
MP Órfhlaith Begley had taken to her Twitter handle where she tweeted about the formidable Nicola Sturgeon and how she made huge strides in advancing Scottish independence. Her tweet read; “Gutted at Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation. A formidable leader who made huge strides in advancing Scottish independence. “I do have friends in Ireland. We sometimes joke about which will come first – an independent Scotland or a united Ireland.”
Gutted at Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation.
A formidable leader who made huge strides in advancing Scottish independence.
“I do have friends in Ireland. We sometimes joke about which will come first – an independent Scotland or a united Ireland.” pic.twitter.com/kaF1gSAT5A
— Órfhlaith Begley MP (@OrfhlaithBegley) February 15, 2023
The news of Sturgeon’s resignation has been met with a mixed response from across the political spectrum, with many expressing their gratitude for her years of service and dedication to the people of Scotland. It remains to be seen who will take up the mantle of leadership of the Scottish National Party, but for now, the Church of Scotland’s well wishes serve as a reminder of the impact that Sturgeon has had on Scottish politics, and the importance of her contribution to the country’s future.
More updates to come as the report continues.