Nicola Sturgeon explained what drives and motivates her in a revealing interview on a Govan radio station.

The First Minister discussed being a woman in the political arena, imposter syndrome, feeling vulnerable and admitting to being her own worst critic, on Sunny Govan Radio in an interview with Anne Hughes.

She also explained how her marriage to Peter Merrill surprised her and how his constant support and that of her mum, dad and sister gives her the strength and resilience to get up and do her best every day.

The Glasgow Southside MP chose “Sisters are doing it for themselves” by Annie Lennox and Aretha Franklin and The Proclaimers “A letter from America”, before being interviewed by host Anne Hughes.

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When asked if she ever feels like an imposter, the First Minister replied: “Like many women in senior positions, yes I absolutely do. However, I think it gives women a bit of humility too and reminds you that you have to work hard for what you need to achieve.

"It keeps you grounded. Do I deserve this? Could I do better? It makes you more accountable for your own work.”

When asked about being a women in the political arena, she explained that often female politicians take a very macho and adversarial approach and are criticised for it.

Nicola added: "It’s a double whammy. You get criticised for not really being a woman and then get criticised for being weak if you adopt a feminine style. When it comes down to it, you just have to find your own style of delivery that works for you.”

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On the subject of style and men having the advantage of not having to think about what they are wearing, the First Minister admitted to deciding on what to wear that will be appropriate for every function in her day to day diary is the start of many decisions, small and large that she will make in the one day.

Nicola said. “If you get it wrong, the Daily Mail will write about it.”

“You don’t always get it right and you learn best from the mistakes you make and the failures you experience.”

When asked on what has surprised her over the year, Nicola explained that marriage came as a big surprise. “I had always been a bit of a feminist and never really considered marriage as an option. When Peter and I decided to get married, it was immediate how much more strong and stable I felt knowing that I had Peter Murrell at my back. His support and the support of my mum and dad give me the resilience and strength to keep going every day and doing my best.

“You feel vulnerable putting yourself up for election, if you are unsuccessful, you face mass public rejection. Every time you stand up stand up in Parliament or in a television debate, you could crash and burn. You still get nervous before a speech. It’s the adrenaline that stops you from messing up so you constantly put yourself on the firing line from the media and in a very public arena. I know I always have my family behind me.”

Nicola explained that from an early age she was driven to speak up against social and economic injustice that led her into her career as a lawyer and ultimately 20 years as a politician of which seven years as Depute First Minister.

To listen to the full interview, click here.