‘I want my independence’: what the papers say about Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation

Nicola Sturgeon’s surprise resignation as Scotland’s first minister fills newspaper front pages, along with what the move may mean for the future of Scottish independence.

Scotland’s Daily Record splashes with “I want my independence” alongside a picture of a smiling Sturgeon waving from a window. The paper says the “physical and mental impact” of the job was a major factor in her decision.

Another Scottish paper, the Herald, quotes Sturgeon: “I am an human being as well as a politician” and says “First minister stands down after eight years, giving candid resignation”.

The Mail leads with “Tearful Sturgeon quits … with her dreams in tatters”. It writes the move leaves Scotland’s independence bid “in chaos”.

The i newspaper has “Independence dream fades as Sturgeon quits politics”.

The Times take on the moment is “Huge boost to unionism as Sturgeon steps down”, writing that the politician’s resignation represents a “generational setback” for Scottish independence.

The Guardian has “Sturgeon quits citing brutality in politics”.

The FT leads with “SNP at the crossroads after Sturgeon steps aside as Scotland’s first minister”.

The Telegraph has “Sturgeon brought down by trans row”, writing that the outgoing SNP leader’s “radical approach” to transgender rights “cost her the support of her party”.

The Metro runs pictures of Sturgeon and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn with its headline “Sturgone … Corbinned”.

The Daily Express leads with developments in the search for Nicola Bulley. Sturgeon’s resignation features above its splash with the headline: “Is the future of our union safer now Sturgeon has gone?”