Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced her resignation on Wednesday after eight years in power, dealing a blow to the pro-independence cause in the British nation. She is the longest-serving leader in Scotland.
"In my head and in my heart I know that the time is right, that the time is right for me, for my party and for the country, and so today, I am announcing my intention to step down as First Minister and leader of my party," Sturgeon told reporters at a press conference.
"Given the nature and scale of the challenges the country faces, I feel that duty, first and foremost, to our country - to ensure that it does have the energy of leadership it needs, not just today, but through the years that remain of this parliamentary term.
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Sturgeon stated that it was a critical moment in the history of Scotland and its bid for independence from the UK. “The blocking of a referendum as the accepted, constitutional route to independence is a democratic outrage. But it puts the onus on us to decide how Scottish democracy will be protected and to ensure that the will of the Scottish people prevails."
She reiterated her view that there was majority support for Scottish independence, but "that support needs to be solidified - and it needs to grow further if our independent Scotland is to have the best possible foundation."
She will remain in office until the Scottish National Party appoints a new leader.
