By George Sturgeon set remarkable standard
Last week was a momentous one for me as our First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, served her final week in the centre seat and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t very emotional while attending her final meeting of cabinet and final First Minister’s Questions.
This was, of course, also the final cabinet meeting for the Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, and I don’t think I was the only one in the room who was moved by the thanks and congratulations shared.
For me, the debt of gratitude we owe both of these tremendous politicians and leaders goes without saying – both have served Scotland for over 20 years in some capacity and after 16 years in government, their impact upon our country and people is immense.
Despite the limited powers and budget granted to the Scottish Government under devolution, it is undisputed that every home in Scotland has benefited from policies introduced during Ms Sturgeon’s time in the top job.
From record high health funding, free bus travel for Over60s and Under-22s, and free period products for all those who need them to the introduction of the baby box, a new social security system with 11 new benefits, including the game-changing Scottish Child Payment, and record high investment in education and skills; no one could say our First Minister hasn’t fulfilled her pledge to make Scotland the best place it can be for everyone who calls our country home, to the absolute best of her ability.
While you all know being Paisley’s MSP is the greatest job I will ever have, it was also the honour of a lifetime to be chosen by Ms Sturgeon to join the Scottish Government and work closely with her to bring about the changes we want to see in our communities and home towns.
Although I think it goes without saying that I remain deeply saddened by her decision to resign, I respect her reasons in reaching that decision and am once again bowled over by her dedication to our country and our shared goals.
Ms Sturgeon has given her all for Scotland, and our people, and has shown us a better way for our country – and despite it being clear last week how moved she was to end her tenure as First Minister, I respect her brave choice to step down upon recognising that she can no longer give the 110 per cent she has been giving since 2014.
For me, this only emphasises how remarkable a leader she truly is.
As this chapter closes, it is time for us now to look forward and continue to convince the people of Scotland of the better, independent tomorrow our First Minister has dedicated her life to, and to do anything different would do her legacy a disservice.
The world needs more Nicola Sturgeon’s and I will use the rest of my career to try and live up to her remarkable standards.