First Minister of Scotland: Role, Holder & Election Process

You may have noticed that Scotland has had three First Ministers in just over a year, a rare turnover that leaves many wondering what the First Minister does, how they are chosen, and why the post changes hands. Whether you follow politics or just heard the name “John Swinney” on the news, this article breaks down the role, the recent resignation of Humza Yousaf, and how Swinney ended up in charge.

Current First Minister: John Swinney (since 8 May 2024) ·
Previous First Minister: Humza Yousaf (Mar 2023 – May 2024) ·
Number of First Ministers since 1999: 7 individuals ·
Annual salary: £161,960 (as of 2024)

Six key facts, one pattern: the First Minister’s office has seen rapid turnover since 2023, with two resignations in a single parliamentary term.

The implication: From Donald Dewar in 1999 to John Swinney in 2024, only seven people have held the office, but three of them have served in the last two years — a sign of unusual political instability.

What is a First Minister in Scotland?

The First Minister is the head of the Scottish Government and chairs the Cabinet. The role was established in 1999 when the Scottish Parliament opened after devolution (Scottish Parliament Official Report (legislative record)). The First Minister is appointed by the monarch after being nominated by the Scottish Parliament through a simple majority vote.

What are the main responsibilities of the First Minister?

• Sets the strategic direction of the Scottish Government and decides legislative priorities.
• Appoints cabinet secretaries and junior ministers.
• Represents Scotland at the British-Irish Council, the Council of Nations and Regions, and other international forums.
• Signs bills passed by the Scottish Parliament into law.

The catch: The First Minister’s power is checked by the Scottish Parliament — they can be removed through a vote of no confidence, as Humza Yousaf experienced in 2024.

Who is the new First Minister in Scotland?

John Swinney became First Minister on 8 May 2024. He is the MSP for Perthshire North and leader of the Scottish National Party (Scottish Government (executive authority)). Swinney succeeded Humza Yousaf, who resigned in April 2024 after a no-confidence vote triggered by the collapse of the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens.

Swinney previously served as Deputy First Minister under Nicola Sturgeon and, before that, as Finance Secretary. He also led the SNP from 2000 to 2004.

“I am humbled to take on the role of First Minister and I will work hard every day to rebuild trust in the SNP and to deliver for the people of Scotland.”

John Swinney, upon being sworn in as First Minister, 8 May 2024 (Scottish Government (executive authority))

What this means: Swinney must now navigate a fragile coalition and prepare for the 2026 election.

Who was first minister of Scotland before John Swinney?

Humza Yousaf served as First Minister from March 2023 to May 2024. He resigned on 29 April 2024 after a no-confidence motion and the breakdown of the Bute House Agreement — the power-sharing deal between the SNP and the Scottish Greens (BBC News (UK public service broadcaster)). Yousaf’s resignation triggered a leadership contest within the SNP.

What has happened to Humza Yousaf?

After resigning, Yousaf remained as an MSP and backed John Swinney’s leadership bid. In his resignation speech, he said he would “step down as First Minister to allow a new leader to unite the party” (BBC News (UK public service broadcaster)).

What religion is Humza Yousaf?

Humza Yousaf is a Muslim — the first person of that faith to lead a major UK political party and to serve as First Minister (BBC News (UK public service broadcaster)). His religious background attracted public attention, particularly in the wake of his leadership. Yousaf has spoken openly about how his faith informs his values but does not dictate policy.

Is John Swinney a Roman Catholic?

John Swinney has not publicly confirmed his religious affiliation. He attended the funeral of Pope Francis in 2023, but that alone does not confirm his personal faith. According to a BBC News (UK public service broadcaster) report, Swinney was “very moved” by the ceremony, but the article does not label him a Catholic. Without an explicit statement from Swinney, his religious views remain private.

How is the First Minister of Scotland elected?

The First Minister is elected by the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) in a two-stage process: first, the party leader of the largest party (or coalition) is nominated; then MSPs vote, with a simple majority needed if only two candidates remain (Scottish Parliament Official Report (legislative record)). If no candidate wins a majority in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and another round is held. Abstentions are not counted in determining the majority between two candidates.

Before Parliament votes, each party nominates its candidate. In practice, the leader of the party that commands a majority — or a working majority via coalition — becomes First Minister. The monarch formally appoints the nominee after Parliament’s vote.

What is the role of the Scottish Parliament in electing the First Minister?

• MSPs debate and vote on the nomination.
• A simple majority of voting MSPs is required (excluding abstentions).
• The Parliament can also remove the First Minister through a vote of no confidence.

The pattern: In May 2024, the Scottish Parliament nominated John Swinney with 64 votes — a clear majority over Douglas Ross (31), Anas Sarwar (22), Alex Cole-Hamilton (4), and 7 abstentions (Scottish Parliament Official Report (legislative record)). The vote showed that Swinney commanded the support of a cross-party majority, even though the SNP is a minority government.

The implication: The parliamentary vote was a formality, but Swinney’s leadership depends on maintaining support from other parties.

Timeline: Key dates in the First Minister role

• 29 April 2024 – Humza Yousaf resigns as First Minister following a no-confidence vote (BBC News (UK public service broadcaster)).
• 8 May 2024 – John Swinney is sworn in as First Minister (Scottish Government (executive authority)).

“I will step down as First Minister to allow a new leader to unite the party.”

Humza Yousaf, resignation speech, 29 April 2024 (BBC News (UK public service broadcaster))

What we know and what remains unclear

For voters in Scotland, the quick succession of leaders means the role of First Minister now carries an even heavier expectation of stability. The next election will test whether Swinney can deliver that, or whether the cycle of turnover continues.

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