First Minister

• One role of the First Minister is to lead the Scottish government. This means that the First Minister makes the final decision on what each of the government departments do in devolved areas such as education and health. For example, Nicola Sturgeon approved the decision to make bus travel free for all people under the age of 21 in Scotland.
• A second role of the First Minister is to represent Scotland. This means that the First Minister has the responsibility to speak and act on the behalf of Scotland. For example, during the Covid-19 Pandemic Nicola Sturgeon represented Scotland in the UK crisis meetings.
• Another role of the First Minister is to appoint the cabinet of secretaries and government ministers. The First Minister can select MSPs from the Scottish Parliament to take responsibility for the different departments in the Scottish government. For example, Shirley - Anne Somerville was appointed the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills by Nicola Sturgeon.
• One power of the First Minister is their ability to appoint and remove cabinet members. The First Minister can choose who is in charge of each government department. For example, Nicola Sturgeon appointed John Swinney as the Deputy First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery because of his loyalty to her.
• A second power of the First Minister is they are the leader of the Scottish Government. As the leader of the Scottish Government the First Minister can make the final decision on what each government department does and can reject or approve policies. For example, Nicola Sturgeon approved bus travel to be free for all under 21 year olds.
• Another power of the First Minister is the ability to approve deals with other parties. Government parties can try and get their policies passed in a deal with the government but only if the First Minister approves it. For example, Nicola Sturgeon approved the deal with the Scottish Greens about free bus travel.