Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first female and longest‑serving First Minister, remains a central figure in British politics even after stepping down in 2023. This article covers her age, her personal life, her memoir ‘Frankly’, her current role as an MSP, and the latest developments including her separation from husband Peter Murrell and her decision not to seek re‑election in 2026.
How Old Is Nicola Sturgeon?
Nicola Sturgeon was born on 19 July 1970 in Irvine, North Ayrshire. As of 2025, she is 55 years old.
55 (born 19 July 1970)
Peter Murrell (married 2010; separated 2025)
None
Glasgow Southside (since 2007)
Key insights
- Sturgeon stepped down as First Minister in March 2023 after nearly nine years in office.
- She remains an active MSP for Glasgow Southside.
- Her memoir ‘Frankly: My Story’ became a Sunday Times bestseller.
- She has no children and was married to former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell.
- In January 2025, she announced on Instagram that she and Murrell had separated and intended to divorce.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Nicola Ferguson Sturgeon |
| Born | 19 July 1970, Irvine, Scotland |
| Political party | Scottish National Party (SNP) |
| First Minister | November 2014 – March 2023 |
| Deputy First Minister | 2007–2014 |
| MSP for Glasgow Southside | 2007–present |
| MSP for Glasgow (regional) | 1999–2007 |
| Education | University of Glasgow (LLB, 1992) |
| Notable achievement | First woman and longest‑serving First Minister of Scotland |
Who Is Nicola Sturgeon’s Husband?
Peter Murrell
Nicola Sturgeon married Peter Murrell in 2010. The couple met through the SNP at a youth weekend in Aberdeenshire, according to BBC reporting. Murrell served as the SNP’s chief executive for many years.
Separation in 2025
In January 2025, Sturgeon announced on Instagram that she and Murrell had separated and intended to divorce. Some later biographical entries still list them as married, but those appear to lag the announcement.
Does Nicola Sturgeon have children?
No. Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell do not have children.
Sturgeon has described her decision not to have children as a personal choice, and she has spoken about the pressures of balancing family life with a high‑profile political career.
What Is Nicola Sturgeon’s Book About?
Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir, Frankly, was published by Pan Macmillan in May 2023. The publisher describes it as a political memoir covering her rise in Scottish politics, her years as first female and longest‑serving First Minister, and major events including Brexit, the COVID‑19 pandemic, and the 2014 independence referendum.
The book offers a first‑person perspective on the pressures of leadership and her personal reflections on key moments. It became a Sunday Times bestseller.
Frankly: My Story. Published by Pan Macmillan, ISBN 978‑1529151556. Available from Pan Macmillan.
What Is Nicola Sturgeon’s Current Role and 2026 Plans?
Is Nicola Sturgeon still an MSP?
Yes, as of 2025, Nicola Sturgeon remains the MSP for Glasgow Southside. She was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999 as a regional MSP for Glasgow, and has represented Glasgow Southside (formerly Glasgow Govan) since 2007.
What constituency does Nicola Sturgeon represent?
She represents the Glasgow Southside constituency, which includes areas such as Govan, Pollokshields, and the Gorbals.
Will Nicola Sturgeon run in 2026?
In March 2025, Sturgeon announced that she would not seek re‑election in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. This means she will step down as an MSP at the end of the current parliamentary term. No further public plans for her life after Holyrood have been announced.
What is the latest news about Nicola Sturgeon?
The most recent developments include her separation from Peter Murrell in January 2025 and her decision not to stand in 2026. She continues to be widely profiled as a former first minister and long‑serving MSP.
While Sturgeon has ruled out a 2026 candidacy, she has not clarified whether she will take on any further leadership role in the SNP or pursue other public projects.
What Was Nicola Sturgeon’s Salary as First Minister?
At the time of her resignation in March 2023, the annual salary of the First Minister of Scotland was £160,394. This figure is published by the Scottish Government. It is not publicly known what her exact net worth is, as she is not required to disclose personal wealth.
Nicola Sturgeon: A Political Timeline
- 1970 – Born in Irvine, North Ayrshire.
- 1999 – Elected to the Scottish Parliament as a regional MSP for Glasgow.
- 2007 – Elected as MSP for Glasgow Govan (later Glasgow Southside); appointed Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health.
- 2014 – Succeeds Alex Salmond as First Minister and SNP leader after the independence referendum.
- 2020 – Leads Scotland through the COVID‑19 pandemic.
- 2023 – Resigns as First Minister in March; publishes memoir ‘Frankly’ in May.
- 2024–2025 – Remains as backbench MSP; announces separation from Peter Murrell and decision not to seek re‑election in 2026.
What Is Certain and What Is Uncertain About Nicola Sturgeon’s Future?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Nicola Sturgeon was born on 19 July 1970. | Whether she will take on any further leadership role in the SNP. |
| She was First Minister from November 2014 to March 2023. | Whether she will engage in other public projects or media work. |
| She is married to Peter Murrell (currently separated, intending to divorce) and has no children. | Details of her life after leaving Holyrood. |
| Her memoir ‘Frankly’ was published in 2023. | Whether she will write further books. |
Background and Context: Why Nicola Sturgeon Matters
Nicola Sturgeon remains one of the most significant figures in modern British politics. Her resignation in 2023 marked the end of an era for the SNP, but she continues to influence Scottish politics as an MSP. The publication of ‘Frankly’ offers a personal perspective on her time in office and the pressures of leadership. Questions about her 2026 plans reflect the broader uncertainty around the SNP’s future under Humza Yousaf’s successor.
Sources and Key References
The main sources for this article include the Wikipedia entry for Nicola Sturgeon, the official Scottish Parliament profile, the BBC profile, and the publisher’s page for ‘Frankly: My Story’. Additional salary information is from the Scottish Government.
Summary: What You Need to Know About Nicola Sturgeon
Nicola Sturgeon, born 19 July 1970, served as Scotland’s first female and longest‑serving First Minister from 2014 to 2023. She is married to Peter Murrell (separated in 2025), has no children, and published her memoir Frankly in 2023. She remains an MSP for Glasgow Southside but will not stand for re‑election in 2026. Her future plans beyond Holyrood are not yet known.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Nicola Sturgeon?
Nicola Sturgeon’s height is often reported as 5ft 4in (163 cm).
When did Nicola Sturgeon resign as First Minister?
She announced her resignation on 15 February 2023 and left office on 28 March 2023.
What is Nicola Sturgeon’s net worth?
Her exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but her annual salary as First Minister was £160,394 at the time of her resignation.
Where does Nicola Sturgeon live?
She resides in Glasgow with her husband.
Does Nicola Sturgeon have a Twitter/X account?
Yes, @NicolaSturgeon (verified).
What is Nicola Sturgeon’s constituency?
She is the MSP for Glasgow Southside.
Is Nicola Sturgeon still in the SNP?
Yes, she remains a member of the Scottish National Party.
Did Nicola Sturgeon write a book?
Yes, her memoir ‘Frankly: My Story’ was published in 2023.
Was Nicola Sturgeon the first female First Minister of Scotland?
Yes, she was the first woman to hold the office.
How long was Nicola Sturgeon First Minister?
She served as First Minister from November 2014 to March 2023, a total of eight years and four months, making her the longest‑serving First Minister.
Henry Morgan is Senior Reporter at DailyCity.co.uk, covering breaking news and general city stories across the UK.