The First Minister of Scotland is the head of the Scottish Government and the most prominent political leader in Scotland. Since the creation of the role in 1999, following devolution and the establishment of the Scottish Parliament, the First Minister has held significant power over the nation’s domestic policies, representing Scotland both within the UK and internationally. Over the past two decades, the First Minister has become a central figure in the debates surrounding Scottish independence, economic policy, and social welfare, shaping Scotland’s political trajectory in profound ways.
The Creation of the Role: A Milestone in Scottish Devolution
The position of First Minister was born out of the Scotland Act 1998, which gave Scotland devolved powers and re-established a Scottish Parliament after nearly 300 years. This marked a turning point in Scottish history, as it granted Scotland greater autonomy over key domestic issues such as education, healthcare, housing, and justice. The First Minister serves as the political head of this devolved government, similar to the role of a prime minister at a national level.
Election and Appointment Process
The First Minister is elected by the Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) after each election and is typically the leader of the largest party in the Scottish Parliament. Once elected, the First Minister is formally appointed by the monarch, a ceremonial process, and then proceeds to form a cabinet, appointing ministers to various governmental departments.
Devolved Powers and Policy Areas
The devolved Scottish Government, led by the First Minister, oversees critical areas like health, education, justice, transportation, and environmental policy. However, issues such as foreign policy, defense, immigration, and certain aspects of taxation remain under the control of the UK Government in Westminster. This division of power often creates tensions, especially around key issues like Brexit and independence, where Scotland’s interests may differ from those of the wider UK.
Key Responsibilities of the First Minister
The First Minister has a wide array of responsibilities, combining the roles of a political leader, head of government, and public figurehead for Scotland. Key responsibilities include:
1. Leading the Scottish Government
As the head of the Scottish Government, the First Minister is responsible for setting the government’s policy agenda and overseeing the implementation of laws passed by the Scottish Parliament. The First Minister works with the cabinet to develop strategies on issues like health reform, education policies, and economic development, while ensuring that government decisions reflect the will of the Scottish people.
2. Representing Scotland Domestically and Internationally
One of the most visible roles of the First Minister is to represent Scotland both within the UK and on the international stage. Although foreign policy is technically reserved for Westminster, the First Minister frequently engages in diplomatic discussions on areas within devolved powers, particularly trade, climate change, and culture. The First Minister often serves as the key spokesperson for Scottish interests at UK intergovernmental meetings and during international engagements.
3. Promoting Scottish Independence
In recent years, the First Minister has become closely associated with the push for Scottish independence. This movement, led predominantly by the Scottish National Party (SNP), has sought to gain full sovereignty for Scotland. The role of the First Minister has thus evolved to include advocating for independence, particularly following the 2014 referendum and Brexit, which reignited calls for a second vote on independence.
4. Managing Relations with Westminster
One of the most complex and delicate aspects of the First Minister’s role is managing relations with the UK Government. This involves navigating negotiations over areas of shared power, such as certain aspects of taxation and welfare policy. These relationships have been particularly strained in recent years due to disagreements over Brexit, Scottish independence, and COVID-19 recovery strategies.
5. Accountability and Parliamentary Leadership
The First Minister is also accountable to the Scottish Parliament, answering questions from opposition leaders and MSPs during the weekly First Minister’s Questions (FMQs). This regular parliamentary session allows opposition parties to challenge the First Minister’s policies and actions, making it a crucial mechanism of democratic accountability.
Notable First Ministers of Scotland
Since 1999, the office of First Minister has been held by several significant political figures, each leaving their mark on Scottish politics.
1. Donald Dewar (1999-2000): The First First Minister
Donald Dewar, often referred to as the “Father of Devolution,” was Scotland’s first-ever First Minister. His role in the creation of the Scottish Parliament and his leadership in the early days of devolution were crucial in shaping the new Scottish political landscape. Dewar’s sudden death in 2000 marked an abrupt end to his tenure, but his legacy as a key architect of devolution remains.
2. Alex Salmond (2007-2014): The Independence Campaigner
Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), is best known for his leadership during the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum. Under his leadership, the SNP secured a historic victory in the 2007 elections, ending years of Labour dominance. Although the referendum ultimately resulted in a vote to remain in the UK, Salmond’s tenure elevated the independence debate to new heights.
3. Nicola Sturgeon (2014-2023): Scotland’s First Female First Minister
Nicola Sturgeon became Scotland’s first female First Minister following Alex Salmond’s resignation. Sturgeon was a strong advocate for Scottish independence and steered the country through several critical moments, including the aftermath of the Brexit referendum and the COVID-19 pandemic. Sturgeon’s leadership earned her widespread respect, both domestically and internationally, for her handling of Scotland’s response to the pandemic.
4. Humza Yousaf (2023-Present): A New Era
In 2023, Humza Yousaf became the first Muslim and person of South Asian descent to serve as Scotland’s First Minister. His leadership is seen as a continuation of the SNP’s progressive policies, with a focus on tackling inequalities, addressing the cost-of-living crisis, and furthering the cause of Scottish independence. Yousaf’s leadership also represents a more inclusive and diverse Scotland.
The First Minister and the Push for Independence
The issue of Scottish independence has been at the heart of the First Minister’s agenda since the SNP’s rise to power in 2007. Both Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon were staunch advocates of independence, and their leadership helped bring the issue to the forefront of Scottish politics. The 2014 independence referendum was a turning point, with 55% of Scots voting to remain in the UK. However, the debate did not end there.
In the wake of the Brexit referendum in 2016, in which Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union, calls for a second independence referendum have grown. The First Minister’s argument is that Brexit fundamentally changed Scotland’s relationship with the rest of the UK, making the case for independence even stronger. Nicola Sturgeon’s tenure was largely defined by her pursuit of a second referendum, a goal that Humza Yousaf continues to prioritize.
Social and Economic Policy Under the First Minister
Beyond the issue of independence, the First Minister plays a crucial role in shaping Scotland’s domestic policies, particularly in areas of social welfare and economic development. Scotland has developed a distinct approach to issues like education, healthcare, and social justice under the leadership of the First Minister.
1. Healthcare and Education
Under successive First Ministers, Scotland has pursued policies that emphasize social welfare, including free prescriptions, free university tuition for Scottish students, and a more progressive tax system. These policies have been central to the SNP’s vision of a more equitable and socially just Scotland.
2. Economic Policy and Innovation
The First Minister is also tasked with promoting economic growth and addressing key challenges such as climate change, unemployment, and inequality. Scotland has become a leader in renewable energy, with a strong emphasis on transitioning to a green economy, which has been a focal point in recent years.
Challenges Facing the First Minister
The First Minister faces a range of challenges in leading Scotland, from managing the impact of Brexit and COVID-19 recovery to addressing economic challenges like inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. Additionally, the question of Scottish independence continues to dominate the political discourse, with the potential for a second referendum being a constant source of tension between Holyrood and Westminster.
Conclusion
The role of the First Minister of Scotland is central to the country’s political landscape, shaping domestic policies and representing Scotland on the national and international stage. Since the establishment of the position in 1999, the First Minister has become a powerful figure in UK politics, particularly with the rise of the SNP and the renewed push for Scottish independence. As Scotland continues to navigate its future, the leadership and vision of the First Minister will remain key to the nation’s development, both within the UK and on the global stage.
