Sturgeon, Nicola (1970-…), is a Scottish politician. From 2014 to 2023, Sturgeon served as the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and as first minister of Scotland—that is, head of the Scottish government. She was the first woman to hold either post.
Nicola Ferguson Sturgeon was born on July 19, 1970, in Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland. She joined the SNP while still a teenager. Sturgeon earned a bachelor of laws degree from the University of Glasgow in 1992 and a diploma in legal practice in 1993. She practiced law until entering the Scottish Parliament in 1999 as a representative for Glasgow. Sturgeon also held a number of positions in Scotland’s Cabinet.
Sturgeon was named deputy SNP leader in 2004. In 2007, she became deputy first minister of Scotland under SNP leader and first minister Alex Salmond. In 2014, Salmond stepped down as head of his party and of the government. His resignation followed the failure of a campaign to gain Scotland’s independence from the United Kingdom, the SNP’s main goal. Sturgeon succeeded Salmond in November 2014.
As first minister, Sturgeon led Scotland through the COVID-19 pandemic. She also called for Scotland’s independence and its membership in the European Union.
