Summary

  • The new leader of the Scottish National Party will be announced on 27 March after Nicola Sturgeon announced her resignation

  • Candidates have until 24 February to be nominated, before party members select the new first minister in a ballot opening on 13 March

  • Several politicians have been touted as key contenders to replace Sturgeon, but Deputy First Minister John Swinney and MP Joanna Cherry are out of the race

  • An SNP conference on a strategy for achieving Scottish independence will be postponed until a new first minister is in place

  • The SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn told the BBC that the next leader needs time to set out their own strategy

  • Sturgeon quit on Wednesday citing personal reasons but she's faced recent political difficulties, including over transgender issues

Live Reporting

Edited by Andrew Humphrey

  1. Press conference due at 11:00

    We're expecting to hear more from Nicola Sturgeon in a press conference at 11:00.

    It'll happen at Bute House in Edinburgh - the first minister's official residence - and we'll be keeping you updated on this page.

  2. 'She's had enough'

    Although we don't yet know what's behind Nicola Sturgeon's decision to step down, the BBC's chief political correspondent says he's been speaking to a source close to the first minister.

    Nick Eardley says he's been told: "She's had enough".

  3. Nicola Sturgeon to resign
    Breaking

    Glenn Campbell
    BBC Scotland Political Editor

    Nicola Sturgeon is to resign as Scotland's first minister.

    The Scottish National Party leader is expected to make the announcement at a hastily-arranged news conference in Edinburgh.

    It is not clear exactly when she will leave office.