Nicola Sturgeon resigns LIVE: Get all the latest news and updates

Nicola Sturgeon resigns LIVE: SNP leader will announce she will step down as Scotland’s First Minister at 11am press conference in Edinburgh

• Read more of MailOnline’s coverage of a momentous day for UK politics HERE 

This is MailOnline’s live blog bringing you all the latest updates after the bombshell news Nicola Sturgeon is set to resign as Scotland’s First Minister: 

Host commentator

Ms Sturgeon will leave office as the longest serving and first female First Minister since the creation of the Scottish Parliament.

But support for independence is currently below the 45 per cent recorded in the 2014 referendum, according to the latest research for Lord Ashcroft.

Meanwhile, the survey has laid bare the fallout from the SNP’s abortive attempt to loosen gender identity rules.

Some 54 per cent of Scots were against the shake-up – which was blocked by Westminster.

The SNP leader will give a press conference at her official residence Bute House in Edinburgh at 11am where she is expected to announce she is quitting.

Ms Sturgeon has been First Minister since 2014, when she replaced Alex Salmond. But she has become embroiled in increasing vitriolic rows regarding transgender prisoners and her plans to try to force through independence.

It is not yet clear if she will stand down immediately, or continue in the role until a new SNP leader is elected.

Good morning. 

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to reign as Scottish First Minister today in a bombshell move after eight years in power. 

Follow MailOnline’s liveblog to stay up to date with everything you need to know. 

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