Nicola Sturgeon to Leave Scottish Parliament After 27 Years in Politics

Scotland's first female First Minister reflects on her legacy as supporters and critics weigh in on her impact.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's longest-serving First Minister, will step down at the next Holyrood election after 27 years as an MSP.
Sturgeon is praised for her leadership on issues like early learning expansion, Scottish child payments, and climate change advocacy, including hosting COP26 in Glasgow.
Critics highlight unresolved challenges during her tenure, including Scotland's drug crisis, NHS strain, and a widening attainment gap in education.
Her leadership saw the SNP achieve historic electoral success, but her efforts to secure Scottish independence did not result in a second referendum.
Sturgeon faced personal and political challenges in recent years, including a police investigation into SNP finances and her resignation during internal party divisions.