Rumour was rife around Holyrood when Scottish government officials summoned reporters to Nicola Sturgeon’s official residence in Edinburgh with 90 minutes’ notice.
The first minster is one of the most formidable politicians in the UK. The timing of her announcement was an unexpected bombshell.
Sturgeon insists she is not bowing out due to “short term” pressures but there is no doubt recent weeks have been turbulent for a leader who tries hard to avoid any political missteps.
Bold prediction from Labour frontbencher after Sturgeon announcement – latest
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She has been under sustained pressure amid a row over where transgender prisoners should be housed. The first minister has found herself at the centre of a huge row over gender reforms.
But, during an emotional media conference, she told me that did not play a part in her decision.
So, what did? Well, Sturgeon has spent her entire political career fighting for Scotland’s independence but she has failed to achieve it during her eight-year premiership.
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She recognises fresh blood is needed to take the campaign forward.
But she leaves her lifetime goal in a perilous position with no clear successor ready to take over and no clear plan on delivering a second vote.
The SNP runs a tight ship where most of their politicians sing from the same sheet. There are very few public fallouts.
But cracks have been emerging over the independence and gender strategy.
Nicola Sturgeon admits politics is a brutal game. A game that has taken an emotional and physical toll. But it’s hard to imagine a Scottish political scene without her presence.
A mammoth in-tray awaits for whoever replaces her.
