Nicola Sturgeon, the fiery nationalist who shaped Scottish politics for nearly a decade, delivered a heartfelt farewell as she stepped away from Holyrood after 27 years.
Addressing the Scottish Parliament for the final time, Sturgeon acknowledged the deep emotional toll of leaving but affirmed that the moment to move on had arrived. Elected to the newly devolved Scottish Parliament in 1999, she rose to become Scotland’s First Minister in 2014, a position she held until her resignation in 2023 amid a financial scandal involving the Scottish National Party (SNP)—a scandal from which she was later exonerated.
“I’ve spent almost half my life here—27 years,” she reflected during her poignant valedictory address. “Though the time is right to move on, leaving is undeniably wrenching.”
From Protégé to Political Powerhouse
Sturgeon’s political journey began under the mentorship of Alex Salmond, serving as his deputy from 2007 until she succeeded him following the SNP’s defeat in the 2014 independence referendum. However, their relationship fractured amid a bitter public feud linked to sexual harassment allegations against Salmond. Though he was ultimately acquitted, their rift remained, and she was notably absent from his funeral in 2024.
The Pinnacle of Her Political Career
Sturgeon’s leadership peaked with the SNP’s sweeping victory in the 2015 UK general election, where her party captured 56 of Scotland’s 59 Westminster seats. At that time, she was among the most formidable campaigners across British politics, commanding her party with unyielding discipline. Her husband, Peter Murrell, played a pivotal role as the SNP’s chief executive, fueling their political partnership.
However, in 2023, Police Scotland launched an investigation into allegations of fraud involving SNP campaign funds, reportedly spent on luxury items including a £125,000 camper van. Sturgeon and Murrell, who began their relationship in 2003 and married in 2010 before separating in 2025, faced intense scrutiny. Murrell now faces embezzlement charges and is scheduled to appear at Edinburgh High Court in May.
‘Opponents Need Not Be Enemies’
In a stirring and emotional speech, during which she wiped away tears, Sturgeon acknowledged the profound changes in Scottish politics over her tenure—changes she admitted were not always positive. She urged current MSPs not to take their positions for granted and emphasized the importance of cross-party respect.
“Opponents need not be enemies,” she declared, urging politicians to build bridges beyond tribal loyalties. “No matter your loyalty to your political tribe, think for yourself.”
She advised maintaining perspective, cautioning that if every issue is treated as a scandal, then truly important accountability can be lost. Sturgeon also issued a strong warning about the dangers of social media culture despite her own massive online following, boasting 1.3 million followers on X, nearly 450,000 on Facebook, and 130,000 on Instagram.
“Don’t live life on social media,” she warned. “Use it, but never forget there is a real world out there, and it is the people in it you are here to serve.”
Concluding her farewell, Sturgeon reminded MSPs of the privilege it is to serve in the Scottish Parliament. “Every day you walk through these doors and into this magnificent chamber, remember that it is a rare privilege. For 27 years, it has been mine—a privilege I now must close.”
