London, Feb 15 (EFE).- Nicola Sturgeon announced her decision to resign as Scotland\u2019s first minister and the leader of her pro-independence Scottish National Party in a surprise move Wednesday that will shake up the national political landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sturgeon, the longest-serving first minister and the first woman to hold the office, told a news conference at her official Edinburgh residence Bute House that the decision was not a reaction to short-term political pressures but was rather part of a \u201cdeeper and longer term assessment.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSince my very first moments in the job I have believed that part of serving well would be to know almost instinctively when the time was right to make way for someone else,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn my head and in my heart I know that time is now. That it is right for me, for my party and my country.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said she would remain in the post until the process of drawing up her replacement is concluded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGiving absolutely everything of yourself for this job is the only way to do it, the country deserves nothing less, but that can only be done by anyone for so long,\u201d she added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor me that is now in danger of becoming too long.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n