McArthur responds to First Minister's resignation

Responding to Nicola Sturgeon's resignation as First Minister, Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur said:

"Nicola Sturgeon has been a formidable force in Scottish politics for more than two decades. Becoming the longest serving and first female First Minister is an impressive achievement that deserves respect.

"It has been a heavy burden to carry over these years, especially through the challenges of the pandemic, and Nicola Sturgeon deserves credit for the service she has provided.

"However, it has needs to be acknowledged that she leaves behind a divided nation, whose divisions she has done as much as anyone to widen. Her track record on health, education, transport, justice and the environment too often were characterised by bold promises but a failure to deliver. This is epitomised by the ferries fiasco that has left island communities still waiting for the new ferries they so desperately need.

"We now need a Scottish Government which is fully focused on the day job and will seek to bring people together as we tackle the many profound challenges our country faces. In the meantime, I want to wish Nicola Sturgeon well for the future and offer my thanks for her service."