Lesson Starter Outline the main duties of the First Minister

The Scottish Government and First Minister

The Scottish Government The Scottish Government is led by the First Minister, who selects all the remaining Cabinet Secretaries and junior Ministers. The First Minister and the Cabinet Secretaries constitute the Cabinet Responsible for all devolved powers, including health, education and justice Has a budget of over £30billion – a block grant from Westminster The members of the Government have substantial influence over legislation in Scotland, putting forward the majority of Bills that are successful in becoming Acts of the Scottish Parliament The running of the SG is aided by the 16,000 civil service staff working within G departments and agencies

Aims of the current Scottish Government (set out in 2007) "To focus Government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.“ Wealthier and Fairer : "Enable businesses and people to increase their wealth and more people to share fairly in that wealth.“ Healthier : "Help people to sustain and improve their health, especially in disadvantaged communities, ensuring better, local and faster access to health care.“ Safer and Stronger : "Help local communities to flourish, becoming stronger, safer place to live, offering improved opportunities and a better quality of life.“ Smarter : "Expand opportunities for Scots to succeed from nurture through to life long learning ensuring higher and more widely shared achievements.“ Greener : "Improve Scotland's natural and built environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment of it."

The Scottish First Minister The Scottish First Minister is the political leader of Scotland.

As of April 2010, the First Minister is entitled to draw a total salary of £140,847, which is composed of a basic MSP salary of £57,521 plus an additional salary of £83,326 for the role as First Minister. This can be compared to the UK Prime Minister who is entitled to draw a total salary of £197,689, composed of a basic MP salary of £64,766 and an additional office holders salary of £132,923. The First Minister is the highest paid member of the Scottish Government.

Background Info… Knowledge - Bute House is the official residence of the Scottish FM, currently Nicola Sturgeon. It is also where weekly cabinet meetings take place (normally on Tuesday afternoons) and is used for FM press conferences and other events. This is also where the FM “hires and fires” cabinet ministers. It was formerly the residence of the Secretary of State for Scotland. Before the reintroduction of the SP, the Secretary of State fro Scotland represented Scotland within the UK cabinet. However, following devolution, the role and responsibilities of the Scottish Secretary of State have been reduced significantly, although they still sit in the UK cabinet. The current Secretary of State for Scotland is Alistair Carmichael (Lib Dem).

The role of the Scottish Government and First Minister You might be asked in the exam about the SG and/or the FM What you need to know is how influential the SG and FM are with regard to decision-making in Scotland and also how the SP can hold the FM and SG to account. Below are typical exam questions on these areas: Evaluate the importance of the executive in decision making in government – 12 marks To what extent can Parliament hold its leader to account? – 20 marks The executive is the Scottish Government, including the First Minister The leader means the First Minister

The role of the Scottish Government and First Minister We will learn about the role of the SG and FM in a way which will help you with these questions. Remember though, you could be asked various questions about the SG and/or FM so make sure you understand that the knowledge is transferable and that the analysis/mini- conclusions will vary depending on the question.

The Powers and responsibilities of the First Minister (and Scottish Government) Political leader of Scotland and head of the Scottish Government. Chairs and appoints the Scottish Cabinet and junior ministers. Responsible for Government policies. Makes a speech to Parliament at the beginning of each term outlining the Government’s legislative Programme. Promoting and representing Scotland, vision for Scotland. Relationship with UK Government? Accountable to SP. FM and Scottish Government have to answer written and oral questions tabled by MSPs.

Political Leader of Scotland and Head of Scottish Government Knowledge – The Scottish First Minister is the political leader of Scotland although the Queen is still Head of State. The FM is the head of the cabinet and is Scotland’s top political representative. Ultimately any political decisions made by the devolved Scottish Government are the FM’s responsibility. Analysis – Since the FM and the SG are responsible for all most policies and legislation in Scotland, it is clear that they are hugely important in terms of decision-making for Scotland. Most bills passed by Parliament are Government bills and so this underlines the important role of the FM and the significance of the SG in terms of decision- making.

Political Leader of Scotland and Head of Scottish Government Knowledge – However, when no single party has a majority in the Scottish Parliament, as was the case from 1999-2011, the influence of the SG and FM is significantly reduced. This is because Governments are either coalitions or minority governments. From 1999-2007, SGs were Labour/Lib Dem coalitions and from 2007-11 the SG was an SNP minority government. During these times the FM has less ability to “get their own way” as they will have to negotiate with other parties more. Analysis – Therefore, although the FM is the political leader of Scotland, during coalition and minority governments their decision-making power is significantly reduced and MSPs from other parties have more influence.

Chairs and Appoints Cabinet Knowledge – However, during the years of Labour/Lib Dem coalitions, although the FM was always Labour as Labour was the biggest single party, the Labour FMs had to appoint Lib Dem MSPs to the Scottish Cabinet. For example, from 2003- 2007 the Labour First Minister Jack McConnell appointed a number of Lib Dems to the SG cabinet, including Nicol Stephen MSP who was the Minister for Education and the Deputy First Minister in this government. Analysis – Therefore, although the FM is the political leader of Scotland, during coalition and minority governments their decision-making power is significantly reduced. During coalition governments for example the FM will have to appoint people from other parties to the cabinet as Jack McConnell did in the 2003-2007 government.

Responsible for Government Policies and implementation of these policies Knowledge – The vast majority of Laws passed in the SP come from the SG (about 80%). Although Government Bills can be proposed by cabinet secretaries, the overall responsibility for government policy lies with the FM. The FM and SG are also responsible for ensuring that these policies are implemented. Alex Salmond’s SNP Governments introduced a number of bills with have been successfully passed and implemented. For example, the abolition of prescription charges in 2011 and the Offensive Behaviour at Football legislation in 2012. The FM and SG are also responsible for agreeing a BUDGET each year. This is where they decide on spending on each of the devolved areas. Analysis – this illustrates the decision-making power of the FM and the SG. Most bills which successfully become law come from the Scottish Government and are approved by the FM. The SG also decide on the Scottish budget each year meaning that they can focus spending on the areas which they feel are priorities.

Responsible for Government Policies and implementation of these policies Knowledge – However, again during coalition and minority governments the power of the FM is reduced significantly and they can not always pass laws easily. During the SNP minority Government from 2007-2011, the SG introduced a number of bills, including the 2010 Minimum Pricing of Alcohol Bill, which were rejected by MSPs. Compromise becomes a major part of the workings of the SG during these types of Government parties bargain which each other in order to get what they want. For example, before the Lib Dems helped form a coalition with Labour from 1999-2003, they insisted that the SG introduce a bill to abolish tuition fees for students. In a way the Lib Dems forced the then FM Donald Dewar’s hand. Furthermore, although the SG decide on the budget each year, this is a budget which is based on the money which they receive from Westminster each year. So if the British Government reduces the amount of money they give to the SP each year (as they have done continuously for the last several years) then the SG are less able to implement the policies they want successfully. Analysis – It is clear then that the executive’s power to propose policies and implement them can be severely restricted, particularly during minority or coalition governments since the SG’s ability to implement laws is limited by other MSPs and by Westminster.

Responsible for Government Policies and implementation of these policies Knowledge – Crucially, the SG have no say whatsoever when it comes to reserved issues. Immigration, defence and welfare are the sole responsibility of Westminster on so the SG has no power to initiate policy in these areas. In spite of Nicola Sturgeon and the SG’s opposition to Westminster imposed benefit cuts there is little they can do to combat them. Analysis – This shows that although the SG and FM can propose and implement policies on devolved matters they have absolutely no decision-making power on reserved issues.

Promoting and Representing Scotland Knowledge – the FM has a crucial role in representing Scotland on the world stage. Alex Salmond visited China on more than one occasion during his time as FM in order improve trade-links with the country and with an eye on attracting foreign investment and jobs to Scotland. He also attended sporting events to represent Scotland, including the Wimbledon Final in 2013. Analysis – this gives the FM tremendous influence as they are essentially figureheads for Scotland and can have an impact on Scottish economic policy by raising the profile of the nation abroad and by attracting investment.

Vision for Scotland Knowledge - The SG and FM are expected to have a vision for Scotland. Since the SG has been SNP since 2007 a major part of this vision has been for an independent Scotland. However after the referendum defeat for the Yes campaign in September 2014 it seems that this will not happen any time soon. In her address to the SP following her election as FM, Nicola Sturgeon outlined her vision, claiming that she took on the role “with an open mind and a willingness to hear proposals from all sides of the chamber."

Vision for Scotland - http://news. stv Sturgeon also has a vision to UNITE Scottish society and mentioned that she aimed to do the opposite of what Margaret Thatcher had done which she said was to DIVIDE society. She also promised a more EQUAL society and making the cabinet gender neutral is evidence of the beginnings of this policy In addition, her vision carries on the vision of her predecessor Alex Salmond which included tackling poverty, improving educational attainment (particularly for lower social classes) and tackling poor health, especially in relation to alcohol. (Also see aims of current SG on slide 3)

Vision for Scotland Analysis – The fact that the FM and SG can essentially outline the direction they want the country to go in shows their huge influence. The FM and SG can SET THE POLITICAL AGENDA and ultimately their ideas are likely to lead to the majority of new legislation in the years following.

Vision for Scotland Knowledge – However, it is clear that the Scottish Government and FM’s vision do not always pan out. 55% of Scots voted against independence in 2014 even though they voted for an SNP Government whose main aim was for Scotland to become independent. Analysis – it could certainly be argued that in spite of the SG’s ability to set the agenda, the Government is always accountable to the SP and the people of Scotland and this suggests that the SG and FM’s decision-making power is by no means absolute. The no vote in the referendum is evidence of this.

Relationship with UK Government Knowledge – The SG and in particular the FM also have a key function in terms of the relationship with Westminster and the British Government. The SG and the BG are in constant communication and regularly meet to discuss issues affecting Scotland and the UK. The Secretary of State for Scotland is the member of the British Cabinet who meets with the Scottish FM regularly to discuss issues. For example, Alex Salmond met with David Cameron and the Secretaries of State for Scotland (Michael Moore followed by Alistair Carmichael) various times in the run up to the 2014 referendum. In 2012, the reached the so- called Edinburgh agreement where they agreed to the details of the independence referendum.

Relationship with UK Government Analysis – Clearly then the SG and FM have great decision-making power in relation to meeting with the UK Government. The BG negotiates directly with the SG without consulting the SP and this underlines the power of the SG and the Scottish FM. Analysis – However, the SG is also sometimes seen as being the “junior partner” in the relationship with Westminster which suggests that the decision-making power of the SP is not as great as that of the BG. In addition, the SG and FM have no say whatsoever on reserved matters and so in this sense their decision-making power is very much limited.

Limitations of the First Minister Although the FM and SG have significant power you have seen in the last several slides that there are also limitations on their influence. The key limitations are listed below: No say on reserved issues. Has to swear an oath to the British monarch: “I, [name], do swear that I will well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in the office of First Minister, So help me God.” Accountable to the Scottish Parliament. Can be forced to resign following the successful passage of a Motion of No Confidence. Far less power/influence under minority or coalition governments.

Current Issues Scotland to get more powers in relation to Welfare than other UK areas (such as Wales) however critics argue that they fall short of what was previously offered. SNP at Westminster- ability to vote against Trident and Welfare Cuts. EU Referendum result – Scotland votes in, UK votes out.

How can MSPs hold FM and SG to account? FMQT, MQT and written questions Committees Member’s bills, committee bills, private bills MSPs can propose motions MSPs can vote against government MSPs can potentially force FM to resign

Accountable to Parliament Overview of the Role of the First Minister Leads cabinet Implements Policy Accountable to Parliament Vision Chooses Cabinet Promotes Scotland abroad

Questions for ALL Describe the role of the First Minister. Describe the role of the Scottish Cabinet. Since the SNP’s rise to power, why has the relationship between the Scottish Government and Westminster worsened? Describe two areas of conflict between the Scottish Government and Westminster. National 5 Exam Questions Describe, in detail, three of the roles of the First Minister. (8) Explain, in detail, two reasons why the a coalition or minority government will diminish the power of the First Minister. (6) Higher HOTS Qs/Exam Practice Analysing: In what ways can the F.M/Cabinet be described as important in the decision-making process? Evaluating: Why can the power F.M/Cabinet be limited?

Scottish Parliament Spending Limits 2010-2016

Evaluate Question: Higher Homework Evaluate the importance of the executive in decision making in government. 12 marks Brief Intro Political Leader of the Scotland and head of the Scottish Government; chairs and appoints cabinet. Responsible for overall policies Relationship with UK Government Conclusion Evaluate questions ask you to come to an overall judgement. How important is the F.M in decision-making in government? Show why the F.M IS important and where the F.M might not be as important. PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE: KEKE – Knowledge point, Evaluate, Knowledge point, Evaluate

Discuss Question To what extent is the executive involved in decision making in the Scottish Government? 20 marks

Paragraph Structure Political Leader of the Scotland and head of the Scottish Government, chairs and appoints cabinet. Responsible for policies Promoting and representing Scotland, vision Relationship with UK Government

1. Political Leader- Appoints Cabinet . E: Overall we could argue that the executive has influence to an extent because the FM is responsible and accountable for the work of their government. However, when the FM is in charge of a coalition they may have less say because the cabinet will members from different parties and compromise may need to be made.