Nicola Sturgeon launches bid for SNP leadership
Nicola Sturgeon MSP has announced that she will run for to become the leader of the Scottish National Party.
The party’s deputy leader – who previously led the SNP from 2004 until 2007 – confirmed that she will stand to replace Alex Salmond as leader of the party.
Mr Salmond announced he would step down as SNP leader last week, following the Yes campaign’s defeat in the Scottish Independence referendum.
Sturgeon has been a strong proponent of equal marriage in Scotland, leading the party’s commitment to introduce it in 2012 when she said: “We are committed to a Scotland that is fair and equal and that is why we intend to proceed with plans to allow same-sex marriage and religious ceremonies for civil partnerships – we believe that this is the right thing to do.”
Announcing her candidacy, she said: “To be the first minister of my country, especially at this exciting and optimistic time, would be both a great honour – without doubt, the greatest honour – and an immense responsibility.
“I am putting myself forward for two simple reasons: I want to serve my party and my country. And I believe I am the best person for the job.
“I also hope that my candidacy, should it succeed, will send a strong message to every girl and young woman in Scotland – no matter your background or what you want to achieve in life, in Scotland in 2014 there is no glass ceiling on ambition.”