Sturgeon 'enjoying not being in the thick of political drama' and isn't working behind the scenes

Nicola Sturgeon has said she is not working behind the scenes in the leadership contest and is “enjoying not being in the thick of political drama” anymore.

Speaking to the media at Holyrood, the former First Minister was not willing to say who she would back to replace Humza Yousaf after his resignation on Monday.

Instead, she said she will wait to see who puts themselves forward and weigh up the pros and cons of each candidate.

Speaking to media at Holyrood today, she said: “I’ve spent almost my entire life in the thick of political drama, and I’m actually quite enjoying not being in the thick of political drama anymore.

“No candidates have declared for the leadership yet, as far as I know, unless you are about to tell me otherwise, so I will wait to see who emerges, who the candidates are. Like all SNP members I will make up my own mind. I’m not going to try and tell other members how to vote.”

She said she hoped the contest was positive, forward looking and focused “on the things that the SNP needs to do to continue its very strong, election winning streak”.

Asked if she could see Kate Forbes as First Minister if she throws her hat in the ring, Sturgeon said: “Kate was a member of my cabinet, I appointed her to government, so she is undoubtedly a woman of considerable talent, but as far as I am aware, she has not declared her candidacy.

“I would encourage members to think about the choice that does emerge, from first principles, what is best for the SNP for the future.

“We have been in government for a considerable number of years. We have been a very successful government. We have won election after election after election. The focus now has to be on what is right for Scotland going forward and what enables the SNP to continue winning elections.”

Sturgeon, who is the MSP for Glasgow Southside constituency, would not answer if Humza was right to resign but said his speech on Monday was delivered with dignity and grace. “I think he did a good job as First Minister. I’m really proud of him. And he put the party of the country first and I think that is the measure of the man.