TWEEDDALE politicians have expressed mixed views on the tenure of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon following her decision to step down from the role.

The announcement was made at a hastily arranged press conference on Wednesday morning at Bute House in Edinburgh.

Afterwards MSP Christine Grahame who represents Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale spoke of her admiration for Ms Sturgeon’s achievements which included delivering the Borders Railway, bringing the Great Tapestry of Scotland to Galashiels and funding new schools across the region.

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However MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale David Mundell described her time on office as “one of division” and called on her replacement to focus on the “people’s priorities”.

Ms Grahame said: “I’ve had my small disagreements over the years over policy, but I have huge admiration for how she has served Scotland.

“No one has achieved more in elected office for the SNP, for Scottish politics and for the people and communities of Scotland.

“She has been involved in delivering the Borders Railway, bringing the Great Tapestry of Scotland to Galashiels and funding new schools across the region.

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“She has also pioneered free prescriptions, extended early learning and childcare, introduced 12 new social security benefits and much more in the interests of ordinary folk.

“Her courage and compassion became particularly important during the two years of Covid when in her broadcasts she kept us all informed as to what was happening and what we were able to do to stay safe. I know that many people tuned in so that they understood what was happening in this fast-moving situation.

“We are all human beings as well as politicians. It’s a very different world from 1999 and all politicians, especially prominent politicians, can be and are subject to intense scrutiny, criticism and beyond, even to brutality. No one has borne that more than Nicola Sturgeon.

“Nicola has served Scotland and the SNP with distinction and has showcased the very best of our nation to the world.

“I respect her decision, while also lamenting the loss of her compassion, intellect, foresight, energy, drive, and passion from frontline politics. She’ll find a warm welcome from me on the back benches.”

Mr Mundell said: “Nicola Sturgeon’s time in office has been one of division in Scotland.

“This is an opportunity for the SNP Government to drop their obsession with holding another referendum on Scottish independence and instead focus on the people’s priorities.

“I hope they take that opportunity.”