Achi news desk-
Here’s what he had to say in full.
“Last week I stood here to announce the end of the collaboration agreement between the SNP and the Greens, the Tŷ Bute agreement, and that the SNP would try to govern as a minority government.
“I made that decision as SNP leader because I believe that ending the Bute House Agreement was the right thing for the party I lead, and I still believe that.
“But, most importantly, I believe this was the right decision for the country.
“My hope was to continue working with the Greens in a less formal arrangement as the SNP moved into a new period of minority government.
“Unfortunately, in ending the Bute House Agreement in the way I did, I clearly underestimated the hurt and distress it caused Green’s colleagues.
“For a government, let alone a minority government, trust and working with the opposition is clearly fundamental.
“Although a path through a vote of no confidence this week is possible, I am not willing to trade my values and principles or deal with anyone just to keep power.
“After spending the weekend reflecting on what is best for my party and the country I lead, I have come to the conclusion that our relationship can only be repaired with someone else at the helm across the gap.
“I have therefore informed the national secretary of the SNP of my intention to resign as party leader and asked her to start a leadership contest for my successor as soon as possible.
“In order to ensure a smooth and orderly transition, my intention is to continue as First Minister until my successor has been elected, especially as parliament will be discussing extremely important legislation in the coming days and weeks.
“I cannot tell you how honored it is to be the Prime Minister of the country I love, the country I am raising my family in, and the only country I will ever call home.
“As a young lad born and bred in Scotland, I could never have dreamed that one day I would have the privilege of leading my country.
“People who looked like me weren’t elected to positions of political influence, let alone leading governments, when I was younger.
“But we now live in a UK that has a British-Hindu Prime Minister, a Muslim mayor of London, a black Welsh Prime Minister and – for a while longer – a Scottish-Asian Prime Minister of this country.
“So to those who deny that multiculturalism has failed across the UK, I would suggest that the evidence is quite the opposite – and that is something we should all celebrate.
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“I have had the privilege of serving in government for almost 12 years in a variety of roles, whatever position I have held during my time in politics I have always been guided by my values.
“As First Minister I am extremely proud to have a fair tax system, the most progressive in the UK, where those who earn the most contribute the most.
“And my core belief will always be that a country as rich as ours must be distributed much more equally.
“I have absolutely no doubt that whoever takes over from me will be equally committed to reducing child poverty. I am proud that through our actions, around 100,000 children are expected to be lifted out of poverty this year.
“I also hope that we, as a country, can be really proud of the steps we have taken to tackle inequality, prejudice and discrimination.
“But let’s also acknowledge that, far too often in our country, hatred continues to rear its ugly head.
“In a world where every issue seems to descend into a toxic culture war, it is often the most marginalized in our society who bear the brunt.
“As politicians of all political parties we are afforded and privileged to have a platform, and we must all resist the temptation of populism at the expense of minorities, especially in a general election year.
“I have often said, as a minority myself, that my rights do not exist in a vacuum and are only protected because everyone’s rights are protected.
“From the backbenches of the Scottish Parliament I will continue to champion the voices and rights of those who are not often heard, whether at home or abroad such as those who have suffered and continue to suffer the most catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. as the world watches on.
“Let me say to my SNP family: I will always be with you. I will always campaign alongside you.
“We have had obstacles in our movement but we have overcome them and we will do so again.
“Independence feels frustratingly close and, believe me, no one feels that frustration more than the leader of the SNP. But the last miles of the marathon are always the hardest, we have run this marathon as a team and I will now prepare to hand over the baton to a successor who I am absolutely certain will lead us over the finish line.
“And I will say to you today what I will say to that successor: First Ministers get to meet countless inspiring people in communities across Scotland who are working to improve the lives of the people around them. get to see with their own eyes many of the exciting businesses and industries that will power Scotland’s future And whenever First Ministers set foot beyond Scottish shores, no matter where they go in Europe or across the world, they come across friends and admirers of our nation.
“If only every person in Scotland had the opportunity to be Prime Minister for just one. Day. The next day I believe they would vote for independence with their head and heart.
“To my fellow MSPs of all political persuasions: next week is a crucial milestone, we mark 25 years of devolution.
“We have an electoral system designed to ensure that no political party has an absolute majority.
“The mothers and fathers of devolution, and that was quite right in their wisdom, believed that no one is at a loss because politicians share wisdom, share advice, share ideas.
“The opposite is also true, which is why I would appeal to colleagues from all parts of the political spectrum although of course a government must act in good faith, its opposition must, and be prepared to collaborate with us rather than just oppose. for the sake of the opposition.
“The only people who suffer as a result of such a crisis are the very people we are trying to serve.
“Politics and politicians – not unreasonably, I’m afraid – have often been demonised, but I believe when we get things right – and we often do – we we are a force for good that can transform people’s lives for the better.
“To my colleagues in the opposition, regardless of the political party, I really wish you well. I bear no ill will and certainly no grudge against anyone.
“Politics can be a brutal business, it affects your physical and mental health, your family suffers alongside you.
“I’m totally indebted to my wonderful wife, my beautiful children, and my wider family for putting up with me over the years – I’m afraid you’ll be seeing a lot more of me.
“You really are everything to me and, although of course as you can tell I am sad that my time as First Minister is coming to an end, I am so grateful and so blessed to have the opportunity that is given to so few: to lead my time. country And who could ask for a better country to lead than Scotland?
“Thank you very much.”
