Moray SNP News

RICHARD LOCHHEAD PAYS TRIBUTE TO OUTGOING FIRST MINISTER NICOLA STURGEON

Following her final appearance at First Minister’s Questions, the Scottish Parliament came together to pay tribute to Nicola Sturgeon – our longest serving First Minister – as she is set to leave office. 

Paying tribute to outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Moray’s SNP MSP said:

“This is the end of an era and watching Nicola Sturgeon getting up from her seat a few yards from me and leaving the front bench for the very last time was emotional to say the least.

“Having been on the frontline of Scottish politics for 24 years now, it is clear to see the enormous sacrifices she’s made to serve our party and, most importantly, the people of Scotland. As our first female First Minister and a proven election winner she not only made history, but has been an inspirational role model for women and girls across Scotland, demonstrating that there should be no limit on their ambition and what they can achieve.

“Nicola leaves behind an incredible legacy and can be so proud of all she has achieved during her time in government, but I expect her time in office will be defined by the way in which she guided the country through the pandemic – one of the most challenging periods in living history.

“I’ve been fortunate to have worked alongside Nicola since the reopening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, and it has been an absolute privilege to serve with her in the Scottish Government as one of her Ministers. Politicians of Nicola’s calibre don’t come along very often and she can leave office proud of her record, knowing that Scotland is a better place because of her leadership.”