BORDERS MSP Rachael Hamilton believes that despite her assertion to the contrary, recent “disastrous policy strategy choices” led to the resignation of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier today.

In a shock announcement this morning, Ms Sturgeon, who guided the nation through the coronavirus pandemic and led the SNP to repeated election victories at UK, Scottish and local level, acknowledged the “physical and mental impact” of the role.

But she denied reacting to “short-term pressures” after a series of political setbacks.

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Ms Hamilton who represents Ettrick Roxburgh and Berwickshire accepted that serving in high office puts pressure on family life but she believes that was not the real reason for her departure.

She said: “No matter what political views you hold, we can all appreciate that serving in high office is tough and it puts real pressure on family life. 

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“It’s the right time for Nicola Sturgeon to resign.  Her record has not lived up to people’s expectations. Her focus on another independence referendum and divisive politics is not what the people of the Scottish Borders need. 

“Despite her assertion that short term issues did not play a part in her downfall, it’s clear her recent disastrous policy strategy choices have.”

During today's press conference, Ms Sturgeon said: “Since my very first moments in the job I have believed a part of serving well would be to know almost instinctively when the time is right to make way for someone else.

“In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. That it’s right for me, for my party and my country.”

Ms Sturgeon acknowledged the “physical and mental impact” of the role.

“If the question is can I battle on for another few months then the answer is yes, of course I can,” the 52-year-old said.

“But if the question is can I give this job everything it demands and deserves for another year. let alone for the remainder of this parliamentary term, give it every ounce of energy that it needs in the way that I have strived to do every day for the last eight years, the answer honestly is different.”