Tired Alex Salmond steps down after the fight of his life

Scotland's first minister, Alex Salmond, yesterday said he would step down from his post and as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) after the country voted against independence in a historic referendum.

"I believe that in this new exciting situation, redolent with possibility, the party, parliament and country would benefit from new leadership," he said.

Salmond said he hoped the 1.6 million people who voted for independence would keep up the pressure on the British government to deliver the new powers on tax-raising and spending it had promised to Scotland as an alternative to leaving the UK.

"We lost the referendum vote but Scotland can still carry the political initiative. Scotland can still emerge as the real winner," a tired-sounding Salmond said.

"For me as leader my time is nearly over. But for Scotland the campaign continues and the dream shall never die."

Salmond, who has fought his whole political life for independence, said he would not seek re-election as party leader at the SNP conference in November.

Once his successor was chosen, he said he would step down as first minister of the devolved government in Edinburgh, a post he has held since 2007.