Nicola Sturgeon has recently been in the news due to a series of significant events surrounding her leadership and the Scottish National Party (SNP). Following her resignation as First Minister in February 2023, Sturgeon has faced scrutiny related to an ongoing investigation into SNP finances, which has included a criminal inquiry into her predecessor, Alex Salmond. Additionally, the SNP's plans for a National Care Service have faced criticism and collapse, further intensifying the political challenges for the party. Sturgeon has also made headlines for her comments regarding her future in politics, indicating it may be time to step away from the Scottish Parliament.
Nicola Ferguson Sturgeon, born on 19 July 1970, is a prominent Scottish politician who has served as the fifth First Minister of Scotland and the Leader of the SNP since November 2014. She is notable for being the first woman to hold either position. Sturgeon has been a key figure in Scottish politics, advocating for independence and social justice. Her political career began in the late 1990s, and she has held various ministerial roles, including Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing. Sturgeon’s leadership has been marked by her response to significant issues such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing debates about Scotland's constitutional future.