LAST Wednesday’s announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP that she was stepping down came as a genuine shock to everyone in UK politics.

I would encourage you to disbelieve anyone who claims they saw it coming.

Nicola Sturgeon has been on the frontline of Scottish politics since 1999 and at the top of Government for some 16 years – in Cabinet, as Deputy First Minister and ultimately First Minister.

She is Scotland’s first ever female leader and also our longest serving, winning eight consecutive Westminster, Holyrood, European and local government elections.

And, while all politicians are to some extent ‘marmite’ characters there are few who would dispute that Nicola Sturgeon has been an impactful and skilful leader who served Scotland diligently.

Indeed, the tributes from (most) of her political opponents have been notable for their grace, dignity and good wishes.

Of course, there are always a few who can’t rise to the occasion and I was amused to see Donald Trump take time away from the golf course to brand her a ‘failed woke extremist.’

As far as epitaphs go, it doesn’t get much better than that and I’m sure the First Minister will already have it framed in her hallway.

Politics, by definition, is about different ideas and I’m under no illusion that there are plenty of people happy to see the First Minister go.

However, what I’ve noted is that many are relieved primarily because they view her as the SNP’s greatest asset and the most effective communicator and tactician in UK politics.

That is a badge of honour that few senior politicians wear when leaving office.

Most are ousted by their own party, mired in scandal or defeated at the ballot box.

Had the First Minister used her press conference to call an election instead of resigning, discussion would have been about the likely victory she would have delivered, not whether she would win.

For someone who has been in office for so many years, that really is quite remarkable.

Nicola Sturgeon has been an ambassador for Scotland on the global stage, a role model for women and girls in politics and every decision she made was taken in the belief that it’s the right one for the people of Scotland.

Regardless of where we stand on the political spectrum, I think these points are hard to dispute.

For the SNP, all eyes are on the future and who takes the party and the country forward from here.

Nominations are now open for the position of both SNP Leader and First Minister. There will then be a campaign and membership ballot which will conclude on March 27.

Ms Sturgeon will be a hard act to follow, I am confident that her successor will not only to ‘take the wheel’ but introduce fresh thinking and approaches to move Scotland forward.

I look forward to hearing each candidate set out their stall in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, I wish Nicola only the best in all her future endeavours.