Deputy First Minister of Scotland

Deputy First Minister of Scotland
Scottish Gaelic: Leas-Phrìomh Mhinistear na h-Alba
Incumbent Kate Forbes since 8 May 2024
Scottish Government Scottish Cabinet Scottish Parliament
Member of	Scottish Parliament Scottish Cabinet
Reports to	Scottish Parliament
Seat	St Andrew's House, Edinburgh
Appointer	First Minister of Scotland
Term length	The Deputy First Minister is appointed by the First Minister. No term limits are imposed on the office.
Inaugural holder	Jim Wallace
Formation	19 May 1999
Salary	£112,919 annually (including £64,470 MSP salary)
Website	www.gov.scot

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The deputy first minister of Scotland^[a] is the second highest minister in the executive branch of the Scottish Government, after the first minister of Scotland. The post-holder deputises for the first minister during periods of absence or whilst out–with the country conducting overseas visits. During any period of the first minister's absence, the deputy first minister will be expected to answer to the Scottish Parliament on behalf of the First Minister at First Minister's Questions. Additionally, the holder of the office of deputy first minister serves within the Scottish cabinet as a cabinet secretary, a position they hold in conjunction with their responsibilities as deputy first minister.^[1]

There have been two occasions where the deputy first minister assumed the roles and responsibilities of the office of first minister as 'acting first minister'. On both occasions, Jim Wallace served as first minister in an acting capacity, first in October 2000 following the death of Donald Dewar, and again in November 2001 following the resignation of Henry McLeish.^[2]

The inaugural holder of the post was Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Jim Wallace. Nicola Sturgeon became the first female to hold the position of deputy first minister following her appointment by Alex Salmond in 2007.^[3] The role is currently held by Kate Forbes since 8 May 2024, following her appointment by John Swinney alongside her portfolio as Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic.^[4]

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