Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon to leave post after eight years

LONDON (AP) — Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon said Wednesday that she plans to step down after more than eight years in office, amid criticism of her drive to expand transgender rights and her strategy for achieving independence from the United Kingdom.

Sturgeon made the announcement during a news conference at her official residence in Edinburgh, Bute House, saying the decision wasn't a response to the “latest period of pressure.” But she added that part of serving well was knowing when to make way for someone else.

“In my head and in my heart I know that time is now,” she said. “That it's right for me, for my party and my country.”

Sturgeon, 52, has led Scotland since 2014, when Scots narrowly voted to remain part of the United Kingdom.

While the referendum was billed as a once-in-a-generation decision on independence, Sturgeon and her Scottish National Party have pushed for a new vote, arguing that Britain's departure from the European Union had changed the ground rules. The UK government has refused to allow a second referendum.

The first female leader of Scotland's devolved government, Sturgeon said she planned to remain in office until the SNP elects a new leader. Scotland is part of the UK but, like Wales and Northern Ireland, has its own semi-autonomous government with broad powers over areas including health care.

Sturgeon's announcement caught political observers by surprise amid her staunch support for both independence and legislation that would make it easier for people in Scotland to legally change genders.

“This is as sudden as Jacinda Ardern … Geez,” tweeted SNP lawmaker Angus MacNeil, referring to the resignation last month of New Zealand's prime minister.

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