19.09.14
Alex Salmond to resign as first minister
Alex Salmond is to stand down as Scotland’s first minister and leader of the Scottish National Party after failing to secure a win for the ‘yes’ campaign in yesterday’s Independence referendum.
He told a press conference that although he believes this is an “exciting situation” for Scotland with regards to greater devolutionary powers, he would stand down as first minister in November when a new SNP leader will be chosen.
“For me right now, there is a decision as to who is best placed to lead this process forward politically,” he said. “Therefore I have told the National Secretary of the SNP that I will not accept nomination to be a candidate for leader at the Annual Conference in Perth on 13 to 15 November. After the membership ballot I will stand down as First Minister to allow the new leader to be elected by due parliamentary process.”
After this process, Salmond added that he will continue to “offer to serve” as Member of the Scottish Parliament for Aberdeenshire East.
Nicola Sturgeon, SNP deputy leader, has been tipped as the most likely successor to the long-serving Salmond.
(Image: c. Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
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