EAST Lothian politicians have shared their thoughts on Nicola Sturgeon announcing that she will resign as First Minister.

East Lothian Council’s SNP Group leader Lyn Jardine has praised the First Minister for her "huge influence" on the way politics is carried out.

Ms Jardine said: “I think it is testament to her leadership that she has given very clear multi-faceted reasons for her departure and reinforced that it is the party that she is putting first and wants to ensure has the right leadership.”

The First Minister talked about becoming a divisive figure in the country, with people who "loved" her and those who were "not so much", and how it could overshadow policy decisions for the party.

Ms Jardine said: “There is something about the personality being seen as it was and there is that risk it overshadows the debate. To me, that was reinforced by watching some of the comments coming up on the Twitter feed.

“It is particularly difficult for women and she has been a hugely influential figure in showing there is a different way of leading the way and taking responsibility.”

East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan (SNP) took to Twitter to add his own tribute to Nicola Sturgeon.

He said: “The First Minister has been an inspiration to me and many others in campaigning, in the parliamentary chamber and how she has represented Scotland on the world stage.

“Scotland will move forward to being the independent country it needs to be.”

Martin Whitfield, South Scotland MSP (Labour), said: "On a personal level, I have never doubted Nicola Sturgeon’s dedication to her job and to Scotland and I wish her well with whatever she does in the future.

"However, I do believe her record as First Minister leaves a lot to be desired.

"She has failed to meet her own targets in key policy areas, including education, the NHS, child poverty and drug deaths.

"Just as importantly, she has done nothing to reverse the divisions that opened up in 2014.

"As she leaves, we need to turn the page and focus on what unites us and how we can work together to deliver the change Scotland needs.”

Kenny MacAskill, MP for East Lothian, was previously a member of the SNP.

The ALBA politician said: "She has been a very talented politician and able communicator, and during some very testing times.

"The independence cause, though, hasn't been moved on by her and this is now the time for that to be done."

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP (Conservative), said: “Nicola Sturgeon has done the correct thing by announcing her resignation.

“While she was Scotland’s First Minister during the challenges of the Covid pandemic, she made some critical errors throughout her term in office.

“Her tenure has been characterised by a failure to move the needle on independence, a failure to deliver on key public services and a failure to understand the mood of the country on the constitution and wider issues such as the divisive gender reform bill.

“While she served in the role for a considerable period, that alone is not an achievement, and the country rightly wants a First Minister focused on their priorities, not constitutional division.”