Nicola Sturgeon has formally announced her resignation as Scottish First Minister after eight years in the job as she said the "brutality" of modern politics had taken its toll.

Ms Sturgeon said she believed since first taking the role in 2014 that "part of serving well" is to know when the time is right to stand down.

Speaking at Bute House in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon said: "In my head and in my heart I know that time is now, that it 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."

Ms Sturgeon said she had told the SNP to begin the process of electing a new party leader and she will "will remain in office until my successor is elected".

For more on this breaking news story: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/02/15/nicola-sturgeon-resign-live-latest-scotland-first-minister-snp/

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