Overall 52% of voters in the United Kingdom voted for Brexit (leaving the EU), with 48% voting to remain. Affiliated with the Scottish National Party, she took office in 2007 as Deputy First Minister of Scotland. Nicola Sturgeon - Best names and nicknames for Nicola Sturgeon Top-Rated nicola sturgeon Nicknames Jimmy cricket Prime minster Creative nicola sturgeondas sermonicola sturgeon nicola sturgeons unicola sturgeon domenicola sturgeon nicola sturgeonets politecnicola sturgeon nicola sturgeonames tecnicola sturgeon nicola sturgeons botanicola sturgeon [150], During the early stages of the pandemic 1,300 elderly hospital patients were transferred into care homes without receiving a negative coronavirus test result. Scotland would then have to reapply for EU membership and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso predicted this would be "extremely difficult, if not impossible". The SNP's absolute majority made Sturgeon's election all but certain, and she received 66 votes, Davidson received 15 and there were 39 abstentions. The SNP won a landslide majority in 2011 and a year later Salmond appointed her as Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Capital Investment and Cities. A Gannett Company. [108], In response to the result, on 24 June 2016, Sturgeon said that Scottish Government officials would begin planning for a second independence referendum. In line with Government guidance, she completed a self-isolation period. There's plenty to admire about Nicola Sturgeon. Acknowledging this, Sturgeon suggested: "That is why the SNP have urged a policy for many months that we believe can provide people with the necessary reassurance, by providing a statutory underpinning to the guidelines, and resolve this difficult debate. I hated everything she stood for. She launched her programme for government, the Better Health, Better Care: Action Plan, which settled a new vision for NHS Scotland. He has been my friend, mentor and colleague for more than 20 years. Sturgeon became a high-profile figure in Scottish politics and often clashed with First Minister Jack McConnell at First Minister's Questions. [189][190][191], In April 2020, the reforms were again delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. It's as simple as that', "Scots are not becoming more conservative: three factors behind the Tory 'revival' in North East Scotland", "Nicola Sturgeon puts Scottish independence referendum bill on hold", "Nicola Sturgeon refuses to abandon indy ref 2 and promises new timetable in 2018", "Sturgeon refers herself to ethics body over actions in Salmond case", "Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints", "Alex Salmond says there is 'no doubt' Nicola Sturgeon broke ministerial code", "Alex Salmond inquiry likely to recall SNP chief exec and Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell", "MSPs bid to recall SNP chief Peter Murrell to Salmond inquiry", "Team Sturgeon breathes a sigh of relief", "Alex Salmond complainers claim government 'dropped' them", "The SNP mess has left me flabbergasted what kind of message does it send? This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Nicola Sturgeon: 'I was bullied at school' 14 September 2018 STV Ms Sturgeon was asked questions by an audience of 100 children and young people Scotland's first minister has revealed that she. [40] Sturgeon quickly grew a reputation in Holyrood as opposition leader, becoming known as "nippy sweetie" Scottish slang for the "sharp-tongued and strong-minded". In the 1987 UK General election, Sturgeon got her first taste of campaigning, going door-to-door to get her local SNP candidate, Kay Ullrich, elected to Westminster. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please On 19 September 2014, independence was rejected in the Scottish independence referendum, with 55.3% of the voters voting no and 44.7% voting yes. "[183], In 2021, Audit Scotland concluded that, "Progress on closing the poverty-related attainment gap between the most and least deprived school pupils has been limited"[184] and fell short of the Government's aims. His then-depute, Roseanna Cunningham, immediately announced her intention to stand for the leadership. [162][163], At a session of First Minister's Questions in June 2021, Sturgeon was asked about mistakes made early on in the pandemic and she replied: "If I could turn the clock back, would we go into lockdown earlier than we did? More info. No mention of the French Amabassador, but he was probably watching the lovers tryst throu. At the time, Queen's Counsel under the reign of Elizabeth II, now King's Counsel under the reign of Charles III. [1][2] Sturgeon led the SNP through the 2015 general election when it enjoyed a surge in support, recording a number of swings of over 30% from Labour, as it won 56 of the 59 Scottish seats and replaced the Liberal Democrats as the third-largest party in the British House of Commons. MOONSHOT my derriere. She was categorised in 2015 as part of the SNP's gradualist wing, which believed in achieving independence through accumulating the Scottish Parliament's powers from the UK Parliament over time. This included rows over the House of Commons' decision to replace the Trident nuclear weapon system, and the SNP's plans to replace council tax in Scotland with a local income tax. [94], Sturgeon was formally acclaimed as the first female Leader of the SNP on 14 November 2014 at the Autumn Conference in Perth, with Hosie as her depute. [153] When asked by the BBC if the policy had been a mistake, Sturgeon said: "Looking back on that now, with the knowledge we have now and with the benefit of hindsight, yes. [33] On 24 June 2004, Sturgeon announced that she would also be a candidate in the forthcoming election for the leadership, with Kenny MacAskill as her running mate. Answer (1 of 3): The version I heard is this. "[280][281][282] Commenting on the need for men to challenge their friends misogynistic behaviour, Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament in 2021: "I would say to all men in this chamber and all men across the country challenge it [misogyny] if its on the part of other men you may know, challenge your own behaviour and then lets collectively, as a society, turn the page and turn the corner so that women can live free of the fear of harassment, abuse, intimidation, violence and, in the worst cases, death. [275] She has hailed Scottish feminist economist Ailsa McKay as one of her inspirations. [37], The results of the leadership contest were announced on 3 September 2004, with Salmond and Sturgeon elected as Leader and Depute Leader respectively. [109][110] Sturgeon claimed that it was "clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union" and that Scotland had "spoken decisively" with a "strong, unequivocal" vote to remain in the European Union. [128][129], In January 2019, Sturgeon referred herself to an independent ministerial ethics body, which will lead to an investigation into her actions with respect to a sexual harassment case concerning allegations against Salmond. Recently, Nicola Sturgeon caught the headlines after being accused of treating the north of England with contempt. [111] Sturgeon said it was "democratically unacceptable" that Scotland could be taken out of the EU "against its will".[112]. Despite this reputation, both friends and rivals have attested to her fun side and good sense of humour. [209], The announcement was welcomed by the Scottish Green party but Greenpeace criticised Sturgeon for not coming out more strongly against the oil field. On Salmond's resignation, Sturgeon said: The personal debt of gratitude I owe Alex is immeasurable. Editors' Code of Practice. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. [266] On the day Queen Elizabeth II became Britain's longest reigning monarch, Sturgeon travelled with her to open the Borders Railway and told a crowd of well-wishers: "She [The Queen] has carried out Her duties with dedication, wisdom and an exemplary sense of public service. Create good names for games, profiles, brands or social networks. [157], In February 2021 Audit Scotland published a report that concluded the Scottish Government had not prepared adequately for a pandemic. [61][62], On 11 June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the influenza virus a pandemic. Scottish hospitals will be allowed to cancel non-urgent operations and move patients into care homes to help tackle "exceptional and severe" pressures on the NHS, Nicola Sturgeon has announced . [51] She was supported in her role as Health Secretary by Shona Robison, the Minister for Public Health and Sport, and by Alex Neil, the Minister for Housing and Communities. There will be no inderef3 in your lifetime and certainly not in mine. ", "Polls "confirm Nicola Sturgeon TV debate success", "New MSPs to arrive at Holyrood for first day", "Nicola Sturgeon wins Scottish first minister vote", "Scotland Seeks Independence Again After U.K. 'Brexit' Vote", "Scotland Says New Vote on Independence Is 'Highly Likely', "Scots' backing for Remain raises threat of union's demise", "Second Scotland Referendum 'Highly Likely', "Nicola Sturgeon says second Scottish referendum 'highly likely' as it happened", "Sturgeon to lobby EU members to support Scotland's bid to remain", "Sturgeon to seek EU talks to 'protect' Scotland's membership", "Nicola Sturgeon says independence vote would be proposed 'if best or only way to protect EU place', "EU referendum: The 'stark difference' between Wales and Scotland", "Scottish parliament votes for second independence referendum", "Nicola Sturgeon writes letter to Theresa May requesting second Scottish independence referendum", "Theresa May: 'Now is not the time' for indyref2", "Voters want a break, says Nicola Sturgeon as she postpones IndyRef2", "Nicola Sturgeon Says The General Election Could "Reinforce" Her Plans For IndyRef2", "Sturgeon: Indyref2 'factor' in SNP losses", "Is Scotland on the cusp of a Tory resurgence? No. Sturgeon kicked off her election campaign pledging that a strong result for the SNP would "reinforce" her mandate for a second independence referendum. [208] The letter represented a significant shift in policy for the SNP, which had historically been a strong supporter of the oil and gas industry; the party's blueprint for an independent Scotland in 2013 was predicated on tax revenue earned from domestic oil production, while Sturgeon had predicted in the run up to the referendum that, "Were on the verge of another North Sea bonanza". As you might expect, Nicola Sturgeon, who already isn't happy with the UK government's attitude to a second Scottish independence referendum isn't exactly pleased with a decision she's described as a "full-frontal attack on our democratically elected Scottish parliament and its ability to make its own decisions on devolved matters". MPs lined up to support Scottish Secretary Alister Jack in the Commons as he laid out. [203], On 10 September 2022, Sturgeon became the first First Minister to sign a royal proclamation, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III. She joined the SNP following an assumption by her English teacher, who was a Labour councillor, she would be a Labour supporter. The party won an unprecedented majority in Holyrood in 2011, dismantling Labour strongholds across Scotland. [206] As part of the agreement, the Green Party co-leaders would be nominated to serve as ministers. Sturgeon's government subsequently entered a power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens. Mr Salmond, who was a very effective if somewhat bumptious leader, has left us with the legacy of his once in a generation phrase and a tainted history. [212][213][214][215] During the winter of 2022 only one in three sailings to the island of Coll went ahead;[216] Hebridean shopkeepers kept receiving deliveries of rotten food;[217][218] [44][45] Although the SNP was recognised as the winners of the election, it failed to obtain a majority and Labour was not willing to allow the SNP to enter government. On 24 June, Sturgeon said she would communicate to all EU member states that Scotland had voted to stay in the EU. [317], Sturgeon lives in Glasgow with her husband, Peter Murrell, who is the chief executive officer of the SNP. Nicola Ferguson Sturgeon (born 19 July 1970) is a Scottish politician serving as First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) since 2014. This does not worry or annoy me. 401 S ince her sensational success in the TV debates the SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, has utterly dominated the political discussion. [323], In 2016, Sturgeon disclosed that she had miscarried five years previously. It was claimed Ms Sturgeon's nickname "Gnasher" has arisen from an intimate injury which she allegedly gave a former lover. [42][43] This was one of many swings to the SNP, as the party emerged as the largest party, one seat more than the governing Scottish Labour Party. [76][77], During the campaign, the European Commission said that if Scots decided to leave the United Kingdom, it would also mean leaving the European Union. [200] The SNP won a fourth consecutive election, albeit short of an overall majority, with a record number of votes on both the constituency and regional vote[failed verification] as well as increasing their share of the constituency vote and making a net gain of one seat. [263] The Government of Spain criticised Sturgeon, claiming she had "totally misunderstood" the situation in Spain and Catalonia. [239] She proposed the Scottish Government would use the pound sterling for a brief period before transitioning to a new currency known as the 'Scottish Pound'. It was reported that Salmond had privately supported Sturgeon in her leadership bid, but decided to run for the position himself as it became apparent she was unlikely to beat Cunningham. From 18 November until her officially appointment on 20 November, she served as the acting First Minister, essentially the First Minister-elect.[97]. The UK Government held the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum to decide the future of the United Kingdom's European Union membership, in which all 32 council areas in Scotland voted by a majority for the United Kingdom to remain a member of the EU. She says she has been targeted by a 'very partisan leak'. She raised these with the Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, Leslie Evans, two months later, rather than reporting them immediately, as she should if they constitute government matters (as per the ministerial code). [292] Following Johnson's appointment as British prime minister, she claimed he "rambled" in his first speech outside 10 Downing Street and suggested he was "blame shifting". [260], In May 2022, Sturgeon made a trip to the United States and met with controversial Republican member of Congress Robert Aderholt, a prominent Anti-abortion supporter. [286][287] She was accused of using "dangerous language" and when asked if she regretted the comments, Sturgeon simply replied "No" and emphasised the point she detested Tory policies and not supporters or voters. [11][12] She is the eldest of two daughters born to Joan Kerr Sturgeon (ne Ferguson, born 23 October 1952[13]), a dental nurse, and Robin Sturgeon (born 28 September 1948[14]), an electrician. [26].mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}. The success continued in the 2016 Holyrood elections but then the Leave vote in the EU referendum shook everything up. She's graduated all the way up to First Minister and con-woman to boot. We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. [126][127], Several weeks later Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament that she would "reset" and delay her plans for a second independence referendum; the SNP losses in that month's election had led her to conclude that many Scots "just want a break from making big political decisions". [207], In August 2021, Sturgeon wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, asking him whether the development of the Cambo oil field west of Shetland should be "reassessed in light of the severity of the climate emergency". [302], Speaking after Johnson had resigned in 2022, Sturgeon said that he was the only prime minister she had worked with who was a disgrace to the office". "[283][284], Sturgeon has campaigned against replacing the Trident nuclear weapons system. Initially, the Scottish Government resisted banning public events and on 12 March allowed 47,000 fans to attend a Rangers match at Ibrox, insisting that, "stopping mass gatherings [is] not the best way to contain this virus. 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There was no agreement on oil and gas exploration, but the government now argued that it had a stronger case for a national independence referendum. Following the referendum defeat, Sturgeon said that "further devolution is the route to independence". Sturgeon was a quiet child and has been described by her younger sister as "the sensible one" of the two. [201][202], Sturgeon was nominated for the post of First Minister by a vote of the Scottish Parliament on 18 May, defeating Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Willie Rennie by 64 votes to 31 and 4 respectively. While it commended the authorities for preventing hospitals from becoming overwhelmed during the crisis, the watchdog also noted that recommendations from pandemic planning exercises in 2015, 2016 and 2018 had not been fully implemented. [29] Shortly after this, Sturgeon was appointed as the SNP's spokesperson for energy and education matters. Nicola Sturgeon has claimed she earned her 'nippy sweetie' nickname because she tried to emulate the aggressive and adversarial approach of male politicians when she began her parliamentary. [93], At a speech in Dundee's Caird Hall on 7 November, Sturgeon pledged to be "the most accessible First Minister ever" when she took over. [73], While campaigning for a Yes vote in August 2013, she told The Guardian that if Scots voted for the Union: "Will there be another referendum round the corner? Become a patron at - http://www.guerillatvchannel.com/donate Stories Contact - guerillatvchannel@gmail.comNew Brand Channel - https://www. [122] Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, all plans for another referendum have been put on hold. [86], On 24 September 2014, Sturgeon officially launched her campaign bid to succeed Salmond as Leader of the Scottish National Party at the November leadership election. She is the first woman to hold either position. During this time she saw through popular SNP pledges like reversing A&E closures and scrapping prescription charges. This is Aalto. Show the British establishment a crack and they will drive in a wedge so deep and so fast you wont have time to blink. [100] On 21 November, she unveiled her Cabinet with a 50/50 gender balance, promoting Finance Secretary John Swinney to become her Deputy First Minister. Popularity Nicola Sturgeon, photographed in Bute House, Edinburgh, last month. [48][49] He appointed Sturgeon as Deputy First Minister and tasked her with the Cabinet position of Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing. [321][322], Her mother Joan was the SNP Provost of North Ayrshire council, where she was councillor for the Irvine East ward from 2007 until 2016. Issuing apologies now is too late for thousands of people. HP10 9TY. #favourite #nickname #ever #doug #moodie #nicola #sturgeon #pictured #here #dressed #young #schoolboy #known #seaweed #glasgow #university #because #not #even #tide. Nicola Ferguson Sturgeon, 49, was born in Irvine, Scotland. [60] Authorities in both Scotland and England stated that there were no plans to trace the fellow airline passengers who may have travelled alongside the couple, since the authorities do not classify them as "close contacts". no memes yet . [175] Per head, Scotland's death rate among the homeless is the highest in Britain. As Health Secretary, she scrapped prescription charges and was widely recognised for her handling of the 2009 swine flu pandemic. As Shadow Education minister, Sturgeon backed Labour's efforts to repeal Section 28 a law that banned the promotion of homosexuality in schools. So the male politician whos very assertive, aggressive and adversarial is a great strong leader. She attended Dreghorn Primary School from 1975 to 1982 and Greenwood Academy from 1982 to 1988. We have worked hard to make sure that supplies are there, weve worked hard overcoming challenges that we have faced along the way. [107] She formed her second cabinet and re-appointed Swinney as her deputy. Be clear, people. Labour refused to support the bill as they claimed it failed to tackle windfall profit from alcohol retailers. One particular problem it highlighted was that not enough had been done to ensure Scottish hospitals and care homes had enough personal protective equipment. [92] On this date, Sturgeon also came out on top in a trust rating opinion poll, conducted for the SNP, which indicated that 54% of the Scottish population trusted her to "stand up for Scotland's interests". But there is one nickname, given to Scotland's First Minister, that she has never sought to. [244][245] Unionist parties have rejected this characterisation. O2 Klean Spray; Dish Washing Liquid; Klean Hair & Body Wash; Table Top Cleaner; Natural Surface Cleaning Concentrate; feather river college division; carvery service advantages and disadvantages In the 2016 UK referendum on European Union membership, voters in Scotland voted by 62% to remain in the European Union, despite Brexit receiving 52% of the vote across the UK. In her second term, she oversaw more taxation powers, including the introduction of the Scottish National Investment Bank and Social Security Scotland. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sturgeon led the Scottish Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland, implementing a series of restrictions on social gatherings and rolling out the vaccine programme. Comments have been closed on this article. [147][148][149] Since then restrictions have been frequently tightened, loosened and adapted in parts or all of Scotland to respond to developments in the situation. The SNP emerged as the second largest party and sat in opposition to the Labour-Lib Dem coalition. [87][88] It quickly became apparent that no other candidate would be able to receive enough required nominations to run a credible leadership campaign. The events of Covid and Brexit have to some extent detracted from the importance of focussing on gaining independence for Scotland; however, both of these events and the way they are being handled may well play out to our advantage. [160] This followed an open letter two months earlier, written by 200 church leaders to Sturgeon, warning her that the prohibition could be unlawful. Ms Sturgeon declared that she had not heard of the nickname before but said that the alleged remark is "meant as a term of abuse". I AM now 80 and have been a member of the SNP for more than half of that time. First Minister Nicola has been known as ' Nippy Sweetie' for more than a decade after being given the nickname early on in her political career. [139] Among the election casualties was Liberal Democrats leader Jo Swinson, who lost her seat in East Dunbartonshire. [176], In August 2021 the Scottish Government announced there had been 1,339 drug deaths in the previous year a new record high. Speaking at the Edinburgh International. Sturgeon secured a second term as first minister, forming an SNP minority government. [54][55], Sturgeon also outlined a guaranteed 18-week wait for patients after they had seen their GP and vowed to do away with deferred or "hidden" waiting lists. So thats why weve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. [81] Following the defeat of the Yes Scotland campaign, Salmond announced his resignation as First Minister and Leader of the SNP. ", "Donald Trump is 'misogyny at its worst' says Sturgeon", "Scottish independence: Sexist envoy Tony Abbott is boost for second referendum, says Nicola Sturgeon", "Sturgeon slams 'sexist' tweet by Labour MSP Neil Findlay", "Sturgeon Insists Salmond is the 'Least Sexist Man' She Knows", "Sturgeon rejects sexist jibe about Salmond", "Challenge friends over sexist conduct, Nicola Sturgeon urges men", "Men must challenge misogynistic behaviour, says Nicola Sturgeon", "Nicola Sturgeon signs 'Rethink Trident' pledge", "Nicola Sturgeon attacks 'utterly failing' Tories and says economic case for independence will come next week", "Sturgeon accused of divisive rhetoric for saying 'I detest the Tories', "Sturgeon accused of 'dangerous language' after saying she 'detests the Tories', "Sturgeon accused of using 'dangerous language' about Tories", "Nicola Sturgeon seen as "really dangerous" after saying she "detest" Tories", "Nicola Sturgeon doesn't regret saying she 'detests' Tories", "Boris Johnson only PM I've worked with who has disgraced the office Sturgeon", "Sturgeon slams Johnson's 'divorced from reality' Downing Street speech", "Nicola Sturgeon blasts Boris Johnson's PM speech as 'divorced from reality', "Boris Johnson booed and heckled on Scotland visit", "Boris Johnson booed by protesters while visiting Nicola Sturgeon in Scotland", "Boris Johnson rejects Nicola Sturgeon call for emergency Omicron meeting", "Boris Johnson declines Nicola Sturgeon's invitation to meet for talks during Scotland trip", "Boris Johnson snubs Nicola Sturgeon invite for Covid recovery talks", "Boris Johnson has 'fragile male ego', suggests Nicola Sturgeon", "Sturgeon: Boris Johnson's 'fragile male ego' may explain why he doesn't meet me", "Scotland's First Minister warns Boris Johnson cannot keep country in UK against its will", "Nicola Sturgeon calls Boris Johnson 'disgrace to office of prime minister', "Nicola Sturgeon: The SNP 'nippy sweetie' who learned how to crack (a bit of) a smile", "Is this the 'most dangerous woman in Britain'? [132][133] Sturgeon's husband, Peter Murrell, was called to this inquiry to give evidence on 8 December 2020. The First Minister has previously spoken on how she ended up being called "nippy sweetie" during her early years in politics. READ MORE:How Iran praised Jeremy Corbyn for shaking British ruling class. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's That said, it also led Mr Salmond to resign and Ms Sturgeon became the new leader after facing no opposition. "[181], In 2015, Sturgeon said that she planned to make education her "defining priority" while in office. and Duran Duran, and enjoyed spending Saturday nights at Frostys Ice Disco in Irvine. In 2004, Sturgeon announced she would stand as a candidate for the leadership of the SNP, however, she later withdrew from the contest in favour of Alex Salmond, standing instead as depute (deputy) leader on a joint ticket with Salmond. We feel we are being lied to. In response to the UK-wide vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, the Scottish Government, headed by Sturgeon, launched the Scotland's Place in Europe document, a white paper setting out the Scottish Government's aims and wishes of Scotland's role in Europe post-Brexit. "[155] Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament in July, "At no point within this crisis has Scotland run out of any aspect of PPE. Sarwar did, however, win the seat with a majority of 2,914 votes. [259], Sturgeon had previously stripped Trump of his ambassadorial role for Scottish businesses with the Scottish Government in the aftermath of Trump's views of an outright ban of Muslims from entering the United States. [295][296] This was the only occasion when he made a formal visit to Edinburgh as he declined future invites by the first minister. In 2004, with five years in the Scottish Parliament under her belt, Ms Sturgeon ran on a joint ticket with Alex Salmond for him to be leader and her to be deputy leader. The worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 began during Sturgeon's second term as First Minister. Weve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country. In the 2016 election, the SNP was returned as the largest single party in the Scottish Parliament but fell two seats short of a majority. [104], In the run up to the elections, Sturgeon took part in several Scottish and UK-wide TV election debates and according to opinion polls was regarded to have had a successful performance. For Nicola Sturgeon, the only thing that matter about her marriage is that it is to the chief executive of the SNP- which matters a great deal in the recent fuss about who in the party knew what and when about Alex Salmond. [182] In particular, she said she hoped to focus on closing the attainment gap between the richest and poorest children in Scottish schools, telling journalists: "Let me be clear I want to be judged on this. [136] Two of the civil servants who made complaints about Salmond later said they felt they had been "dropped" by the Scottish Government after it lost the judicial review against him, adding they feared their experiences would make it less likely people would make complaints in the future. [316] In 2015, BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour assessed Sturgeon to be the most powerful and influential woman in the United Kingdom. [250][251][252] Sturgeon has committed to strengthening links between Scotland and Africa. While this worry may prove to be transient, I am more concerned by the signs of division in the nationalist movement. "We have seen a rapid increase in the number of confirmed cases in Scotland over the past 10 days," she told Parliament. First Minister Nicola has been known as ' Nippy Sweetie' for more than a decade after being given the nickname early on in her political career.