Alex Salmond has announced he will stand down as first minister of Scotland following the Yes campaign’s independence referendum defeat.
The SNP leader made the shock announcement at a press conference on Friday afternoon.
He said: “For me as leader my time is nearly over but for Scotland the campaign continues and the dream shall never die.
“It has been the privilege of my life to serve as first minister.
“We have now the opportunity to hold Westminster’s feet to the fire on the vow they made.
“I believe that in this new exciting situation, redolent with possibility, party, Parliament and country would benefit from new leadership.”
Salmond has successfully transformed the Scottish policitical landscape, revitalising the Scottish National Party and almost realising his life-long ambition of establishing Scotland as an independent nation.
He successfully led his party to back-to-back Scottish Parliament election successes, winning a majority in his second term.
That second victory paved the way for his desire to hold a referendum on whether Scotland should become an independent country.
But Mr Salmond’s dream was dashed on Friday morning when it was announced that the No campaign had narrowly won the vote with a 55% – 45% outcome.
Following that result, Mr Salmond announced his decision. He will continue in his role until November.
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