From elections, education and the economy, here's the story of how the SNP and Nicola Sturgeon's country fared under her leadership told through charts
"The defining mission of this government will be education," she said, as she pledged to widen access to university to deprived communities and keep tuition fees free.
In the 2021/22 university intake, there were 243,890 students from the 20% most deprived areas, a rise of 52,365 compared with four years previous.Keeping things like higher education free is an expensive thing for a country to provide. During Ms Sturgeon's tenure as leader the government has consistently spent more than it takes in - meaning there is a budget deficit.Many workers pay higher income tax in Scotland than in the rest of the UK.
From general elections, to the Scottish parliament, to European votes, Ms Sturgeon's party has won every single national election under her leadership, but it was the breakthrough Westminster election in 2015 which will perhaps be most memorable. The Scottish Conservatives and Labour currently have 11 fewer seats at Holyrood put together than the SNP.The one electoral challenge that Ms Sturgeon will feel disappointed not to face as first minister is an independence referendum.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nicola Sturgeon stepping down as SNP leader after nine years in chargeThe Scottish National Party leader is expected to make the announcement at a hastily-arranged news conference in Edinburgh.
Read more »
Nicola Sturgeon resigns: Who will replace her as next SNP leader and Scotland's first minister?Who are the potential candidates to replace Nicola Sturgeon as the next SNP leader and first minister of Scotland?
Read more »
Nicola Sturgeon refuses to discuss 'ongoing police investigation' on SNP financeNicola Sturgeon refuses to discuss 'ongoing police investigation' after question over SNP finances
Read more »
Who will replace Nicola Sturgeon as next SNP leader?Ms Sturgeon refused to back anyone as a successor, insisting there was a wealth of talent within the SNP.
Read more »
What Nicola Sturgeon's resignation means for Scottish independence and the SNPThe First Minister has been the focal point of attempts to secure independence since she took over from her predecessor Alex Salmond
Read more »
John Curtice: The SNP's biggest challenge will be rebranding after Nicola SturgeonSturgeon’s resignation speech acknowledged a deep political problem: it was no longer clear that she could give the party effective strategic leadership on independence 🖋️John Curtice for ipaperviews
Read more »