Nicola Sturgeon

Sturgeon said she would vote against assisted dying legislation at Holyrood, describing it as one of the hardest decisions of her career as an MSP. The position highlighted a rare divergence from some colleagues on a major conscience issue.

Sturgeon spoke publicly about a landmark Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman, saying the implications for trans people could be severe. Her comments drew renewed attention to her stance on gender recognition and trans rights after leaving office.

Police Scotland said Nicola Sturgeon was no longer under investigation in the SNP finances probe, ending the formal inquiry into her role in the case. The development came as her estranged husband, Peter Murrell, was separately charged with embezzlement in connection with the party's finances.

Nicola Sturgeon announced that she would not seek re-election to the Scottish Parliament in 2026, bringing her Holyrood career to a close. She said the moment felt right to step down after a long political life at the heart of Scottish politics.