Limitations to the power of the first minister

• First Ministers Questions (FMQS)


  • Gives MSPs the opportunity to question the First Minister on anything they wish
  • Allows MSPs to hold the First Minister to account and scrutinize her work
• Reserved matters


  Matters that the First Minister has no control over
• The First Minister may disagree with things the Westminster government does


  But she can't do anything about it
• Majority government


  No single party has a majority in the Scottish Parliament
• No majority government


  • The influence of the Scottish Government and First Minister is significantly reduced
  • The First Minister has less ability to "get their own way" as they will have to negotiate with other parties more
• Forced to resign


  The First Minister can be forced to resign if MSPs are unhappy with the job that they are doing
• Limitations on First Minister's power

  • FMQs allows MSPs to question and hold the First Minister to account
  • First Minister only responsible for devolved matters, not reserved matters
  • No majority government, must negotiate with other parties
  • Can be forced to resign if MSPs are unhappy
• Limitations on First Minister's power

  • People of Scotland voted to remain in EU in 2016 referendum but were still included in decision to leave
  • SNP relies on Green party in 2021 due to lack of majority
  • Allegations of breaking code of conduct relating to Alex Salmond inquiry in 2021