TheCable

Nicola Sturgeon has been voted the first ever female first minister of Scotland, after the resignation of Alex Salmond.

After Scots voted to stay with the United Kingdom at the Scottish referendum conducted in September, Alex Salmond, the first minister, announced his resignation.

Forty-four-year-old Sturgeon replaces Salmond, whose resignation took effect on Tuesday when he stepped aside with a final statement to the Scottish parliament.

Sturgeon had earlier taken leadership of the Scottish National Party (SNP) at the party’s conference over the weekend, before her selection as the head of government was completed on Wednesday, as the Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) voted.

Sturgeon, who spoke before the elections, assured Scots of good representation and policy making.

“We live in a new era of Scottish democracy; those who we represent expect us to give our very best and we, all of us, must ensure that we do not disappoint them,” she said.

“They expect to see us debate vigorously but they don’t want us to divide rancorously. So let us work together to create a future for Scotland that is worthy of their dreams and their trust.”

Seeking the support of parliament, she said she would always have big ambitions and tackle inequality in Scotland.

“I ask the support of parliament today for my candidacy as first minister, for my candidacy to be first minister of and for all of Scotland.

“A first minister who will always have big ambitions for this country and a first minister who, day in and day out, will apply herself to the job of protecting our public services, supporting our businesses and tackling inequality.”

The election was contested by Scottish conservative leader, Ruth Davidson, and Nicola Sturgeon, with 66 votes in favour of Sturgeon and 15 in favour of Davidson, while 39 others refrained from voting.

Salmond, who was willing to lead Scotland to independence, announced his resignation few hours after losing the referendum to the union.

He spoke on Monday concerning his confidence in the new minister:

“Any parting is tinged with some sorrow, but in this case it is vastly outweighed by a sense of optimism and confidence.

“Confidence that we will have an outstanding new first minister, confidence in the standing and the capability of this chamber, and most of all, confidence in the wisdom, talent and potential of the people of Scotland.”

Sturgeon will be officially sworn in at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Thursday.