Lesson Starter Create a mind map which displays what you have learned so far about the First Minister.

The Role of the First Minister

What will I learn? About the role of the first minister 3

Success Criteria I will be able to outline and a detailed description of the work of the first minister.

First Ministers of Scotland There have been 4 First Ministers of Scotland since the Parliament opened in 1999. Donald Dewar died in 2000. Henry McLeish had to resign in 2001 after a financial scandal. Jack McConnell became First Minister in November 2001 and quit in 2007 when the SNP defeated Labour. He was replaced by Alex Salmond.

Choosing the First Minister Salmond was elected by ALL MSPs, as all First Ministers are. (2007-13). In May 2011 he was the only candidate for the post. First nationalist to be elected First Minister of Scotland. This stands in contrast with Westminster where only the dominant party selects the leader.

The Role of the First Minister The first minister is head of the devolved Scottish Government. Leads the Cabinet. Responsible for the presentation and implementation of government policy. Also directly accountable to the SP for his actions.

Minority Government 2007-2011 SNP won 49 seats (more than any other party) but faced a combined opposition of 81. Formed a minority Government. This was the first minority administration and began a new form of consensus and inclusive politics. Salmond’s government had to seek parliament’s approval ‘policy by policy’. This made it difficult for SNP to achieve its goals.

2011 Majority Rule Cabinet team composed solely of SNP MSPs. Alex Salmond had trimmed the Scottish Government down from nine departments to six and that means a smaller team of ministers. There are 6 Cabinet Secretaries, including the FM.

The Secretary of State for Scotland The Secretary of State for Scotland, a UK post, is Michael Moore. A Scottish Liberal Democrat MP. He has several roles: He represents Scotland at UK level in the UK cabinet. He represents Scotland in issues, such as defence and foreign affairs that are reserved at Westminster. The Secretary of State for Scotland has the role of liaising between Westminster and Holyrood on matters such as Scottish Parliament funding.

A Controversial Post? Since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, there has been confusion and debate as to the value of the post. The First Minister, especially an outgoing FM such as Alex Salmond, often represents Scotland abroad, a role that the Secretary of State often does too.

It is now a very political post It is now a very political post. Some might say contentious as now there are different parties in power. Michael Moore has taken a very central role in negotiating the terms of the referendum. When Jack McConnell was the FM, the post of Secretary of State was less contentious. Previously, many of the potential conflicts between the Scottish Parliament and Westminster were avoided because the same party was in power in both parliaments. Communications were less formal. This article shows the difficult relationship between the two. Independent Article

Vision The First Minister is expected to have a vision for the country. His campaigns cut across and permeate the work of all Government departments. See proposed policies

The Role of the First Minister His personal vision as First Minister is that he wants to encourage enterprise and encourage Scots not to wait for someone else to do something, but to take action themselves in their communities to improve Scottish society. Salmond has been at the forefront of Glasgow’s preparations for hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games. This is part of the Scottish Government's strategy to promote Scotland internationally and to encourage healthier living and increase participation in sport.

Independence Being the first Nationalist FM, Alex Salmond of course as very clear vision for Scotland. He believes that the Union is holding Scotland back. Scotland is part of six unions. Wants to break from the political and economic union that ties Scotland to Westminster. He does not want decisions on the economy, welfare, foreign affairs or military interventions made by a government he believes the Scottish people did not choose and do not support.

What are Alex Salmond's six unions? Political and economic union (this is the one that Alex Salmond wants ended) The European Union The defence union The currency union The union of the crowns The social union

Creating a Constitution for an Independent Scotland Salmond believes creating a written constitution for an independent Scotland will help the country move away from a "profoundly undemocratic" system at Westminster. Assuming a Yes vote in the referendum in September next year, Mr Salmond says the devolved Scottish Parliament will set out a constitutional platform for independence.

Lesson Starter Create a mind-map about the Role of the First Minister. Add his roles and responsibilities.

Style of Leadership Alex Salmond has been a high profile FM. Some would argue that he is a good debater, he is accomplished when dealing with the media and representing Scotland.

He is not perfect though. Like all politicians he can sometimes be put on the defensive by his decision making. In June 2012 the FM was put under pressure by revelations from the UK Parliament’s Leveson Inquiry in the conduct of the press. Mr Salmond has been in touch with Rupert Murdoch. It was alleged by his opponents that he traded support for News Corporation’s BskyB bid in return for the Scottish Sun’s support for the SNP. He said that this was not the case and was thinking of investment in Scotland and Scottish jobs. Watch this news clip

First Minister…. The FM will NOT always attempt to speak for Scotland on defence issues. This explains why Jack McConnell was keen not to get involved in debates in Parliament about the war in Iraq as he had no authority over this issue. Alex Salmond has not taken the same approach- spoken out over Trident. Statement on Syria

First Minister.. The post of FM is comparable, in some ways, to that of Prime Minister in the UK. He is ‘first among equals’ within the Scottish Cabinet. He is ‘captain’ of the team – a bit like a player manager. He has the role of chairing the Scottish Cabinet, which meets on Wednesday mornings.

The Role of the First Minister 2010 travel chaos- extreme weather conditions. Stewart Stevenson (transport minister) forced to resign Alex Salmond accepted resignation but did defend him. IN A LETTER TO MR STEVENSON, THE FIRST MINISTER ADDED: "I UNDERSTAND YOUR REASONS FOR RESIGNING BUT FRANKLY I THINK IT IS WRONG THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE FACED THIS SITUATION. "YOU HAVE WORKED TO ENSURE THE PREPAREDNESS OF OUR TRANSPORT NETWORK FOR WINTER WEATHER. THESE PLANS HAVE GENERALLY PROVED EFFECTIVE BUT ON MONDAY WE WERE FACED WITH AN UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGE

First Minister…. The FM does not have quite the same powers of patronage as the PM. He doesn't have the same monopoly of power as the PM has at Westminster. Salmond has had to bargain with the other parties to pass legislation in the SP. More confident as now hold a majority.

Choosing the Cabinet Jack McConnell made many changes- fired a lot of high profile MSPs. Brought people in of his own choice. Salmond mirrored this action. Appointed Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney to the cabinet. FM can “hire and fire” cabinet Nicola Sturgeon has been moved to Infrastructure from Health - focus on referendum? Biggest cabinet re-shuffle has taken place - changed roles.

First Minister…. The FM is accountable for the actions of the Scottish Government at First Minister’s Question Time. First Minister questioned every Thursday FM QT is the opposition parties’ opportunity to score points and embarrass the Scottish Government.

Overview Head of the devolved Parliament Responsible for the implementation of policy Accountable to the SP Vision for Scotland Represents/ promotes Scotland on an international scale Leads the cabinet Chooses the cabinet

Questions What is the purpose of First Minister’s question time? Describe the process of debate at FMQs. In what ways did being a minority First minister impact upon Alex Salmond’s authority? What are the main roles of the Secretary of State for Scotland? Why might there be conflict between the FM and the Secretary of State? Analysis- to what extent is the FM all powerful?