Former Scottish First Minister Sturgeon Considers London Move Amid Media Scrutiny

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s former first minister, has expressed feelings of being unable to 'breathe freely' due to intense media scrutiny in Scotland, describing the political environment as a 'goldfish bowl'. She has hinted at temporarily moving to London, a city she loves and where she is currently spending a reasonable amount of time, to gain a fresh perspective and distance herself from the pressures of Scottish politics. Although she plans to step down from Holyrood in 2026 after nearly three decades in politics, Sturgeon emphasized that Scotland remains her home and she would never leave it for very long. Her comments come alongside the release of her memoir, "Frankly," in which she shares her story in her own words amid a backdrop of personal and political challenges, including investigations into SNP finances that have cleared her but implicated her estranged husband. While some view her move as a way to reset and explore new life phases, critics argue that the focus should remain on her political legacy rather than her personal life. Sturgeon also mentioned that the current state of democracy and political discourse may discourage future leaders from entering politics for the right reasons.