Both were subsequently elected, and as Salmond was still an MP in the British House of Commons, Sturgeon led the SNP in the Scottish Parliament as Leader of the Opposition from 2004 to 2007. [93], At a speech in Dundee's Caird Hall on 7 November, Sturgeon pledged to be "the most accessible First Minister ever" when she took over. ", "Nicola Sturgeon's sister urges the critics to 'cut SNP leader some slack' on Covid", "Sunderland roots of SNP's Nicola Sturgeon", "Gary Elliot: Nicola Sturgeon and I come from the same working class stock - trying to paint her as the 'new establishment' is laughable", "Nicola Sturgeon on taking Scotland to the world", "Profile: Nicola Sturgeon spoke to Mandy Rhodes about her miscarriage", "Sturgeon: "Now or never" to banish Trident", "Sturgeon on Charles Kennedy 'a most talented politician', "Nicola Sturgeon reveals how she and Charles Kennedy watched Trainspotting together as she pays tribute to former Lib Dem leader", "BBC News | SCOTLAND | Poll 'backs' Section 28", "Edinburgh News, "Salmond in shock bid for leader", "Scotsman.com, "Salmond's arch-rival buries hatchet with declaration of support", "Why does Nicola Sturgeon not have a seat in Westminster? SNP convener Derek Mackay publicly congratulated Sturgeon as de facto leader in waiting, saying that she would be "a fantastic new leader" for both the SNP and for Scotland. [244][245] Unionist parties have rejected this characterisation. She would grill Labours Jack McConnell at First Ministers questions each week, unleashing her assertiveness. In 2004, Sturgeon announced she would stand as a candidate for the leadership of the SNP, however, she later withdrew from the contest in favour of Alex Salmond, standing instead as depute (deputy) leader on a joint ticket with Salmond. Here, we look at the rise of the woman at the top of Scottish politics. [199] In the election, the SNP won 64 of the 129 seats contested. [1][2] Sturgeon led the SNP through the 2015 general election when it enjoyed a surge in support, recording a number of swings of over 30% from Labour, as it won 56 of the 59 Scottish seats and replaced the Liberal Democrats as the third-largest party in the British House of Commons. [305][306][307] The term was used to describe Sturgeon's "fierce" attitude. [261][262], In the run up to the 2017 Catalan independence referendum, Nicola Sturgeon offered her own personal backing and that of the Scottish Government to Catalonia in the holding of a referendum. Please report any comments that break our rules. The previous leader, Alex Salmond, announced at the time that he would not stand. [72], Salmond put Sturgeon in charge of the Scottish Government's legislative process for a referendum on Scottish Independence and she was essentially in charge of the SNP's referendum campaign. no memes yet . We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Nicola Sturgeon has claimed she earned her 'nippy sweetie' nickname because she tried to emulate the aggressive and adversarial approach of male politicians when she began her parliamentary. She is the third daughter of electrician Robin and dental nurse Joan , who was an SNP councillor in the Ayrshire town. [107] She formed her second cabinet and re-appointed Swinney as her deputy. She attended Dreghorn Primary School from 1975 to 1982 and Greenwood Academy from 1982 to 1988. A woman is bossy and strident a nippy sweetie as they used to call me.. Joining the party at the age of 16, she entered the Scottish Parliament as an additional member for the Glasgow electoral . On 20 November 2014, Sturgeon was formally sworn into office. [61][62], On 11 June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the influenza virus a pandemic. She has been a member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) since 1999, first as an additional member for the Glasgow electoral region, and as the member for Glasgow Southside (formerly Glasgow Govan) from 2007. On 24 June, Sturgeon said she would communicate to all EU member states that Scotland had voted to stay in the EU. [122] Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, all plans for another referendum have been put on hold. "[280][281][282] Commenting on the need for men to challenge their friends misogynistic behaviour, Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament in 2021: "I would say to all men in this chamber and all men across the country challenge it [misogyny] if its on the part of other men you may know, challenge your own behaviour and then lets collectively, as a society, turn the page and turn the corner so that women can live free of the fear of harassment, abuse, intimidation, violence and, in the worst cases, death. So thats why weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. ", "Scottish independence: referendum results live , "Nicola Sturgeon: 'Devo is route to independence', "Nicola Sturgeon launches campaign to succeed Alex Salmond", "Nicola Sturgeon predicts independence 'one day' as she launches bid to replace Alex Salmond", "BBC News Nicola Sturgeon backed by former SNP leader Gordon Wilson to replace Salmond", "Keith Brown and Stewart Hosie stand for SNP deputy leadership", "Angela Constance: 'I know why Yes campaign failed', "Nicola Sturgeon tops politician trust rating poll", "Sturgeon vows to be 'most accessible' first minister ever", "New SNP leadership team: Sturgeon and Hosie", "SNP conference: Nicola Sturgeon appointed party leader", "Resignation date of former First Minister and appointment date of current First Minister: FOI release", "Nicola Sturgeon is elected first minister of Scotland", "Nicola Sturgeon sworn in as First Minister", "Privy Council appointments: November 2014", "Nicola Sturgeon announces Scottish cabinet with equal gender balance", "BElection 2015: SNP wins 56 of 59 seats in Scots landslide", "How many Lib Dems have lost their seats in the 2015 general election? No. She's come a long way since being nicknamed "Seaweed" at school - back then even the tide wouldn't take her out. Editors' Code of Practice. In her second term, she oversaw more taxation powers, including the introduction of the Scottish National Investment Bank and Social Security Scotland. [69], At the 2011 election, the SNP won a large overall majority. [222][223][224], Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament of her "deep regret" that islanders were enduring such chaos and said that the Government was "learning lessons from this experience". In the same interview, Sturgeon committed to no independence referendum being held prior to the terms of a UK wide Brexit deal being agreed and presented. Divide and conquer is a strategy the British establishment has frequently used with great effect to achieve their ends. It is a scar on the conscience of this Scottish Government. The up side is that Peter understands what's going on and why I am late home all the time. "Based on this experience, Health Protection Scotland has expressed the view that sustained community transmission appears to be taking place. [246][247] Some SNP members have urged Sturgeon to call an early election at Holyrood to speed up the process for a de facto referendum. The victims of drugs and their families were failed. The 50-year-old politician created history by being the first female Minister of Scotland. Following the 2017 UK general election, Nicola Sturgeon announced that the Scottish Government would postpone legislation pertaining to the proposed second referendum on Scottish independence until at least autumn 2018. [303][304], At the beginning of Sturgeon's political career, she was often regarded as a "nippy sweetie", Scottish slang for the "sharp-tongued and strong-minded". [123] However, the SNP lost 21 seats in the 2017 United Kingdom general election in Scotland and the party's vote dropped by 13%, although they remained the biggest party in Scotland. The First Minister has previously spoken on how she ended up being called "nippy sweetie" during her early years in politics. So the male politician whos very assertive, aggressive and adversarial is a great strong leader. The SNP won the highest number of seats in the Scottish Parliament in the 2007 election and Salmond was subsequently appointed first minister. Aged 21, Sturgeon was selected as the SNP candidate in the Glasgow Shettleston constituency. During this time she saw through popular SNP pledges like reversing A&E closures and scrapping prescription charges. [157], In February 2021 Audit Scotland published a report that concluded the Scottish Government had not prepared adequately for a pandemic. [248], While foreign policy remains a reserved matter,[249] Sturgeon has undertaken a number of visits to Europe, North America and Asia to promote Scotland as a place of investment and Scottish businesses to trade and do business with. Mrs May said repeatedly that now is not the time for yet another referendum. Sturgeon's government subsequently entered a power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens. [48][49] He appointed Sturgeon as Deputy First Minister and tasked her with the Cabinet position of Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing. DON'T MISSHow Labour's Ian Lavery hit out at 'football hooliganism' conviction[INSIGHT]Emily Thornberry's absurd Iran letter exposed[REVEALED]Dennis Skinners damning prediction about Queen Elizabeth II revealed[VIDEO]. She also served as a member of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee and the Health and Community Care Committee. She once addressed the name and told journalists. He has been my friend, mentor and colleague for more than 20 years. The first confirmed case of the virus in Scotland was announced on 1 March 2020, when a resident in Tayside had tested positive. [263] The Government of Spain criticised Sturgeon, claiming she had "totally misunderstood" the situation in Spain and Catalonia. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. [279] She has also defended men from allegations of sexism too; in 2015, after Alex Salmond told Tory MP Anna Soubry, "Behave yourself, woman", Sturgeon said: "The fundamental question, 'does that language indicate that Alex Salmond is sexist?' contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. Yes, I think that is true. Timeline of Nicola Sturgeon's premiership, Depute Leader of the Scottish National Party, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Capital Investment and Cities, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, elected unopposed as SNP leader in November 2014, longest-serving First Minister of Scotland, 2016 UK referendum on European Union membership, advocated for a second referendum on independence, Glasgow University Scottish Nationalist Association, Glasgow University Students' Representative Council, Shadow Minister for Children and Education, Shadow Minister for Health and Community Care, 2004 Scottish National Party leadership election, Nicola Sturgeon's tenure as Deputy First Minister, 2009 swine flu pandemic in the United Kingdom, Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012, Scotland's poor relationship with alcohol, Scottish Independence Referendum Act 2013, 2015 United Kingdom general election in Scotland, 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, 2017 United Kingdom general election in Scotland, sexual harassment case concerning allegations against Salmond, Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints, 2019 United Kingdom general election in Scotland, Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, Scottish National PartyScottish Greens agreement, power-sharing agreement between their parties, historically been a strong supporter of the oil and gas industry, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, List of current heads of government in the United Kingdom and dependencies, "Alex Salmond's resignation could give Nicola Sturgeon her day of destiny", "The transition from Alex Salmond to Nicola Sturgeon", "Nicola Sturgeon becomes Scotland's longest-serving First Minister", "SNP could hold independence referendum if it wins in 2016", "Sturgeon: Second referendum 'if and when Scotland wants it', "Liz Truss says she would ignore 'attention seeker' Nicola Sturgeon video", "Scottish independence: 19 October 2023 proposed as date for referendum", "Scottish government loses indyref2 court case", Birth certificate of Nicola Ferguson Sturgeon, "Nicola Sturgeon: SNP leader in 60 seconds", "Heading to my home town to wish my mum a happy birthday!! [51] She was supported in her role as Health Secretary by Shona Robison, the Minister for Public Health and Sport, and by Alex Neil, the Minister for Housing and Communities. The Scottish National party leader, Nicola Sturgeon, has been coming under heavy fire from all quarters; from David Cameron's Mean Girls -esque refusal to sit next to her on the Andrew Marr Show,. [321][322], Her mother Joan was the SNP Provost of North Ayrshire council, where she was councillor for the Irvine East ward from 2007 until 2016. [263] Sturgeon highlighted that Spain should follow "the shining example" that was created as part of the Edinburgh Agreement between the Scottish and British Governments that allowed Scotland to hold a legally binding referendum. I fear the English bards words The evil men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones may prove to be an apt epitaph. [128][129], In January 2019, Sturgeon referred herself to an independent ministerial ethics body, which will lead to an investigation into her actions with respect to a sexual harassment case concerning allegations against Salmond. [242][243], On the day the Supreme Court ruled the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to legislate a referendum on independence, Sturgeon announced the next democratic election in Scotland, in this case a UK general election expected to be held in 2024, would be campaigned by the SNP as a de facto referendum. In line with Government guidance, she completed a self-isolation period. Just as Theresa May was preparing to trigger the formal Brexit process, Ms Sturgeon launched her bid for Indyref2. ", "BBC NEWS | Election 2007 | Scottish Parliament | Election Result: Glasgow Govan", "Salmond prepares for SNP minority government", "Better Health, Better Care: Action Plan", "Sturgeon to reverse A&E closure decision", "Scottish government confirms plans to scrap prescription charges", "Prescription charges abolished in Scotland", "Swine influenza Health Protection Agency update", "WHO | World now at the start of 2009 influenza pandemic", "UK plays down swine flu pandemic implications", "Scottish death marks Europe's first H1N1 fatality", "Scottish minimum alcohol pricing passed by parliament", "Scottish cabinet reshuffle: Nicola Sturgeon given new independence role", "High-speed rail plan for Glasgow to Edinburgh line", "High speed Glasgow-Edinburgh rail link plans 'shelved', "Scottish independence would allow economy to grow, says Sturgeon", "Nicola Sturgeon interview: 'I do believe Scotland can be better off', "Scottish independence: Referendum White Paper unveiled", "Independence referendum: Nicola Sturgeon accuses Westminister of bullying over currency", "Scottish minister Nicola Sturgeon hits back over sterling threat", "Scottish independence: Barroso says joining EU would be 'difficult', "Sturgeon warns Europeans could lose right to stay", "UK minister: Sturgeon used EU nationals as bargaining chips", "Scottish independence referendum: final results in full", "Scottish referendum results: As Alex Salmond steps down, Nicola Sturgeon waits for her chance to lead", "Alex Salmond Resigns: Will SNP Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Replace Him? If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to [206] As part of the agreement, the Green Party co-leaders would be nominated to serve as ministers. "[167][168][169], In 2016 the Scottish Government cut direct funding to drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes from 69.2 million to 53.8 million a drop of 22%. [35], However, once Cunningham emerged as the favourite to win,[35] Salmond announced that his intention to stand for the leadership; Sturgeon subsequently withdrew from the contest and declared her support for Salmond, standing instead as his running mate for the depute leadership. She unveiled her new plan arguing that it will allow Scotland to set out "a different and better vision"[232][233] and claimed that there is a legally secure path to get a referendum without permission from the cabinet. [130], On 15 January 2019, the Scottish Parliament agreed to hold its own inquiry into the matter, the Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints,[131] to investigate how the Government breached its own guidelines in its original investigation into the harassment claims against Salmond, and then lost a judicial review into their actions and had to pay over 500,000 to Salmond for legal expenses. [177] Sturgeon tweeted that the figures were "unacceptable, each one a human tragedy",[178] while the Scottish Liberal Democrats said: "It was Nicola Sturgeon's choice to ignore this unfolding epidemic. After the SNPs success in the 2007 Scottish Parliament elections, Ms Sturgeon became Deputy First Minister and Health Secretary. [96], Although, Salmond did not officially tender his resignation as First Minister until 18 November 2014, Sturgeon was not sworn in until two days later. It's as simple as that', "Scots are not becoming more conservative: three factors behind the Tory 'revival' in North East Scotland", "Nicola Sturgeon puts Scottish independence referendum bill on hold", "Nicola Sturgeon refuses to abandon indy ref 2 and promises new timetable in 2018", "Sturgeon refers herself to ethics body over actions in Salmond case", "Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints", "Alex Salmond says there is 'no doubt' Nicola Sturgeon broke ministerial code", "Alex Salmond inquiry likely to recall SNP chief exec and Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell", "MSPs bid to recall SNP chief Peter Murrell to Salmond inquiry", "Team Sturgeon breathes a sigh of relief", "Alex Salmond complainers claim government 'dropped' them", "The SNP mess has left me flabbergasted what kind of message does it send? The SNP won 48 seats, and came second place in the 11 others; their 45% of the vote yielded 80% of the seats in Scotland. Sturgeon secured a second term as first minister, forming an SNP minority government. The couple have been in a relationship since 2003. [250][251][252] Sturgeon has committed to strengthening links between Scotland and Africa. [52] She reversed the decision to close casualty units at University Hospital Ayr and University Hospital Monklands. Scottish hospitals will be allowed to cancel non-urgent operations and move patients into care homes to help tackle "exceptional and severe" pressures on the NHS, Nicola Sturgeon has announced . [198], Sturgeon led the SNP into the 2021 Scottish Parliament election on a manifesto promise to hold a second independence referendum after the COVID-19 pandemic was over. In 2022 Audit Scotland concluded that the final price tag for the vessels would be somewhere between 250m and 400m once the ships are finished in 2023. [175] Per head, Scotland's death rate among the homeless is the highest in Britain. [285], At the SNP's 2022 annual party conference in Aberdeen, Sturgeon stated "I detest the Tories and everything they stand for" in an interview on the BBC. [124] It was the best result for the Scottish Conservatives since Margaret Thatcher and the party's campaign slogan, "We said No to independence. Then you quickly realise that in women they are not seen as strengths. [180] Annemarie Ward, chief executive at the FAVOR Scotland charity, said: "Nicola Sturgeon said she would make it her national mission to save lives - but were still losing more than 1000 people a year. [46] Sturgeon led coalition negotiation talks between the Scottish Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Greens, but these talks failed to reach an agreement, with the Lib Dems backing out and the Greens instead supporting a 'confidence and supply' agreement. On 25 May 2022, Sturgeon became the longest-serving First Minister of Scotland, surpassing the previous record held by her predecessor. Born in Ayrshire, Sturgeon is a law graduate of the University of Glasgow, having worked as a solicitor in Glasgow before her election to the Scottish Parliament in 1999. She has made several demands for a Section 30 order, however, they have been declined by both Theresa May and Boris Johnson, with Liz Truss stating she would "ignore"[6][7] Sturgeon's future requests. [259], Sturgeon had previously stripped Trump of his ambassadorial role for Scottish businesses with the Scottish Government in the aftermath of Trump's views of an outright ban of Muslims from entering the United States. [265] In recent years, following the defeat of the Yes Scotland campaign in 2014 Scottish Independence referendum, Sturgeon has aligned herself with the new gradualist wing, who believe in only holding a second referendum if there is clear public support, such as polling being over 60%, or if there is a material change in circumstances. Sturgeon and Ruth Davidson, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, stood for election. [153] When asked by the BBC if the policy had been a mistake, Sturgeon said: "Looking back on that now, with the knowledge we have now and with the benefit of hindsight, yes. 401 S ince her sensational success in the TV debates the SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, has utterly dominated the political discussion. Following the referendum defeat, Sturgeon said that "further devolution is the route to independence". During her time at the University of Glasgow she was active as a member of the Glasgow University Scottish Nationalist Association and the Glasgow University Students' Representative Council. In the 2016 UK referendum on European Union membership, voters in Scotland voted by 62% to remain in the European Union, despite Brexit receiving 52% of the vote across the UK. Sturgeon - who had previously apologised to the Scottish Parliament after she was caught breaking the same law in December 2020[166] - apologised once more and said the police had been "absolutely right to treat me no differently to any other citizen. [71] Sturgeon said the Scottish Government would "not wait" for Westminster to build a high-speed line to Scotland. She became the youngest ever parliamentary candidate in Scotland in the 1992 general election. Shortly after being elected, Sturgeon appointed John Swinney to the newly created position of Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery. There was no agreement on oil and gas exploration, but the government now argued that it had a stronger case for a national independence referendum. [76][77], During the campaign, the European Commission said that if Scots decided to leave the United Kingdom, it would also mean leaving the European Union. [53] Sturgeon oversaw the scrapping of prescription charges In Scotland, an election pledge by the SNP originally for the chronically ill and those with cancer. I owe the Daily Mail big time for that', "Most dangerous woman in Britain or Queen of Scotland? Her comments come after Prime Minister Boris Johnson was. Acknowledging this, Sturgeon suggested: "That is why the SNP have urged a policy for many months that we believe can provide people with the necessary reassurance, by providing a statutory underpinning to the guidelines, and resolve this difficult debate. "[170] That year 867 Scots lost their lives to drugs an increase of 23% on the previous year's figures and the SNP insisted it was part of a trend seen across much Europe. [109][110] Sturgeon claimed that it was "clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union" and that Scotland had "spoken decisively" with a "strong, unequivocal" vote to remain in the European Union. [295][296] This was the only occasion when he made a formal visit to Edinburgh as he declined future invites by the first minister. [319] Reflecting on her marriage in 2012, Sturgeon told The Daily Record: "Being in the same kind of line of work has its up sides and its down sides. [29] Shortly after this, Sturgeon was appointed as the SNP's spokesperson for energy and education matters. Speaking at the Edinburgh International. On 19 September 2014, independence was rejected in the Scottish independence referendum, with 55.3% of the voters voting no and 44.7% voting yes. [75] Sturgeon was one of the white paper's most high-profile media champions and frequently debated its contents with opposition politicians and sceptical Scots. | Jess Phillips", "Election 2019: the result in Scotland in numbers", "Nicola Sturgeon filmed celebrating Jo Swinson's defeat to SNP's Amy Callaghan video", "Nicola Sturgeon: 'I got overexcited' in reaction to Jo Swinson loss", "Nicola Sturgeon branded 'ungracious' after celebrating Jo Swinson losing her seat", "Nicola Sturgeon tips East Dunbartonshire's Amy Callaghan to be one of the stars of the Commons", "Sturgeon: PM has 'no right' to block Indyref2", "Nicola Sturgeon admits Scotland would have been in lockdown earlier if she 'could turn the clock back', "Coronavirus: Schools in Scotland and Wales to close from Friday BBC News", "Prime Minister's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 23 March 2020", "UK coronavirus: Boris Johnson announces strict lockdown across country as it happened", "Coronavirus: Nicola Sturgeon says new rules amount to 'lockdown' BBC News", "Timeline of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland", "Covid in Scotland: Government 'failed' social care sector during pandemic", "SNP Health Minister admits covid mistake in transferring patients to care homes", "Ministers' Covid error 'turned care homes into morgues', "Covid in Scotland: 'Mistake' to discharge Covid patients says Sturgeon", "Whistleblower: Nurses forced to reuse and share single-use PPE", "Coronavirus: Nicola Sturgeon defends PPE record after we revealed pre-pandemic warnings", "Covid-19: Should the UK be aiming for elimination? [70], In December 2012, Sturgeon said that she believed that independence would allow Scotland to build a stronger and more competitive country, and would change spending priorities to address "the scandal of soaring poverty in a country as rich as Scotland". The Scottish First Minister said she hadn't heard of the nickname before but claimed the alleged remark is "meant as a term of abuse". There was however significant public opposition to repeal and an unscientific postal vote on the issue organised by SNP donor Brian Souter suggested most Scots wanted to keep the clause. [240][241] She argued independence would be "essential" for economic prosperity for Scotland as she claimed the economic climate throughout the UK does not offer strength, stability or security. The worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 began during Sturgeon's second term as First Minister. More info. Mr Salmond, who was a very effective if somewhat bumptious leader, has left us with the legacy of his once in a generation phrase and a tainted history. First Minister Nicola has been known as ' Nippy Sweetie' for more than a decade after being given the nickname early on in her political career. She has been married to Peter Murrell since July 16, 2010. There's plenty to admire about Nicola Sturgeon. [105] As part of the election campaign, Sturgeon indicated that the SNP would hold another independence referendum if it won the upcoming 2016 Scottish Parliament election.[4][5]. [68] In June 2012, the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 was passed after receiving support from the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Greens. Sturgeon said there were "lots of lessons to learn". [187] Critics of the changes within the SNP had accused Sturgeon of being "out of step" on the issue, and expressed concerns that the reforms would be open to abuse and allow predatory men into women's spaces. This does not worry or annoy me. [231] She argued that her government had an "indisputable mandate" for a second Scottish independence referendum. "We have seen a rapid increase in the number of confirmed cases in Scotland over the past 10 days," she told Parliament. The compromise had the support of Souter but an amendment to that effect was voted down by MSPs who expressed concerns it would stigmatise children from single parent and unmarried families. The UK Government held the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum to decide the future of the United Kingdom's European Union membership, in which all 32 council areas in Scotland voted by a majority for the United Kingdom to remain a member of the EU. [44][45] Although the SNP was recognised as the winners of the election, it failed to obtain a majority and Labour was not willing to allow the SNP to enter government. [212][213][214][215] During the winter of 2022 only one in three sailings to the island of Coll went ahead;[216] Hebridean shopkeepers kept receiving deliveries of rotten food;[217][218] It is absolutely crushing. One nurse told STV, "[When we hear the government say supplies are fine] it's not frustrating, it's crushing. [160] This followed an open letter two months earlier, written by 200 church leaders to Sturgeon, warning her that the prohibition could be unlawful. One particular problem it highlighted was that not enough had been done to ensure Scottish hospitals and care homes had enough personal protective equipment. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's [185] In some local authorities the attainment gap between the richest and poorest students had widened. [302], Speaking after Johnson had resigned in 2022, Sturgeon said that he was the only prime minister she had worked with who was a disgrace to the office". [271] However, in 2018 she endorsed her party's Growth Commission report that pledged to reduce an independent Scotland's budget deficit as a percentage of GDP[272] something the Institute for Fiscal Studies concluded meant "continued austerity". Pandemic, all plans for another referendum have been put on hold member for the Glasgow Shettleston.... Head, Scotland 's death rate among the homeless is the highest number of seats in the Glasgow electoral strengthening! As they used to describe Sturgeon 's second term as First Minister has frequently with... 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Term was used to describe Sturgeon 's `` fierce '' attitude through popular SNP pledges reversing! Covid-19 pandemic, all plans for another referendum `` indisputable mandate '' for Westminster to build high-speed... Claiming she had `` totally misunderstood '' the situation in Spain and Catalonia community transmission appears to be taking.... Would not stand sweetie as they used to describe Sturgeon 's `` fierce '' attitude her. Politician whos very assertive, aggressive and adversarial is a scar on the conscience this. Peter understands what 's going on and why I am late home all time. Married to Peter Murrell since July 16, 2010 her bid for Indyref2 youngest ever candidate! All plans for another referendum have been in a relationship since 2003 nippy... That ', `` Most dangerous woman in Britain to 1982 and Greenwood Academy from 1982 to 1988 and Health... Provide content in ways you 've consented to and to improve our understanding of you the conscience of this Government. Re-Appointed Swinney as her deputy with Government guidance, she oversaw more taxation powers, including the introduction of 129... Big time for yet another referendum have been in a relationship since 2003 TV the! He would not stand, Culture and Sport Committee and the Health and Care. 25 May 2022, Sturgeon was selected as the SNP candidate in the Ayrshire town EU. Of Spain criticised Sturgeon, claiming she had `` totally misunderstood '' the situation in Spain and.., High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire [ 252 ] Sturgeon has committed to links... `` further devolution is the route to independence '' Education matters Spain and Catalonia highlighted was that not had... Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire to improve our understanding of you victims drugs... Not wait '' for Westminster to build a high-speed line to Scotland time he!