Ruth Davidson has resigned from her role as Scottish Conservatives leader after eight years in the job.
In a statement on Thursday, Ms Davidson said that it have been the “privilege of my life” to lead the party. However, she also said that “much had changed” both politically and personally in recent months which had led to her resignation.
Ruth Davidson had a baby last year, which it is believed played a part in the decision to stand down.
The SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon told Sky News;
“It is a very difficult balance to strike” for politicians between their personal and professional lives.
“Ruth and I obviously have many deep political disagreements but I wish her well for the future.
“I don’t think anyone is going to grudge her the more time she wants with her young son, and for someone like me I can well understand that in her position that’s a decision she feels she has to take.
“She leaves office today with my very best wishes and the best wishes of the SNP.”
On Wednesday, it was reported that Ms Davidson was considering resigning after the government announced it would prorogue Parliament from mid-September. The highly controversial move sparked anger from MPs across the House of Commons, and over 1 million have signed a petition to try and convince the government to go back on their decision.
Ms Davidson, who has been a critic of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Brexit approach, will continue to serve as an MSP for Edinburgh Central.
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Ms Davidson advised MPs hoping to avoid a no-deal to back a Brexit deal;
“Make it clear now that if a deal comes back to the Commons you will vote for it and let the EU hear you say you will vote for it.”
Photo Credit: The Scottish Parliament via Wikimedia Commons [CC BY 3.0]
