Nicola Sturgeon to stand down from Holyrood next year

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Former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced she will not seek re-election to Holyrood next year.

Ms Sturgeon – who represents the Glasgow Southside constituency – made the announcement on Instagram on Wednesday, saying that the decision was “far from easy”.

As well as campaigning to keep the constituency in SNP hands next year, the former SNP leader said she will be with the party “every step of the way as we complete our journey to independence”.

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In a letter to local party members, she said: “I am writing to let you know that I have decided not to seek re-election to the Scottish Parliament next year.

“Reaching this decision has been far from easy, however, I have known in my heart for a while that the time is right for me to embrace different opportunities in a new chapter of my life, and to allow you to select a new standard bearer.

“Whoever you choose will have my full support and I look forward to campaigning alongside you to ensure that Glasgow Southside remains an SNP-held constituency.”

“To SNP members across the country: I may be leaving Parliament, but I will be by your side every step of the way as we complete our journey to independence”, she added.

This is a breaking story. More to follow…