Nicola Sturgeon has defended her record in government during her final First Minister's Questions at Holyrood, facing criticism over education, drug deaths, NHS waiting lists, and ferries. The outgoing first minister said she was 'very proud' of her party's eight election wins and policies including the Scottish Child Payment and progressive income tax.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross accused the SNP of having 'lied' over its membership numbers, after the party admitted a drop from 104,000 to 72,000 since December 2021. The row led to the resignation of Sturgeon's husband, Peter Murrell, as chief executive, and media chief Murray Foote. Sturgeon said she would 'not take lectures' from the Tories on honesty, referencing Boris Johnson's Partygate questioning.
Ross also attacked Sturgeon's record, citing declining school league tables, Europe's highest drug death rate, lengthy NHS waiting lists, and a 'damning report' on ferries that are five years late and over budget. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar claimed no Scottish institution had been left stronger after her eight years in office.
Sturgeon highlighted achievements including the Scottish Child Payment, baby box scheme, abolition of prescription charges, and free period products. She noted record NHS funding and Scotland's climate leadership. 'I am proud of the record of government that I have led through some of the toughest times Scotland has faced in recent history,' she said.
The winner of the SNP leadership contest will be announced on Monday, with a parliamentary vote to confirm the new first minister expected on Tuesday. Sturgeon acknowledged her successor would have a tough job ahead but expressed confidence they would continue to retain the trust of the Scottish people.
