New First Minister for Scotland

Nearly two weeks after the elections to the Scottish Parliament, Alex Salmond has at last become First Minister. It was a very civil affair, with congratulations coming from out-going First Minister Jack McConnell, and Liberal Democrat leader and out-going Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen. However, it was Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie, in a speech lasting just 52 seconds, who stole the show by pledging to keep the new First Minister in order.

Over the last two weeks, though, we have seen a different Alex Salmond. The tough political operator that we have come to know well has evolved a more conciliatory side – pledging to work to build consensus and trust. But more than that, it seems that Mr Salmond has grown in stature, almost as if he has grown into the post of First Minister and already eclipsing his immediate predecessor.

Sweet n' Sour Conspiracy

It seems that Labour MSPs are already conspiring to replace Jack McConnell as leader of the Scottish Labour party. An entertaining article in today’s Herald has reported that a group of women Labour MSPs gathered at the weekend and, over a Chinese takeaway, discussed how to oust Mr McConnell.

Despite their protestations of loyalty, several of the group apparently aspire to Mr McConnell’s job. Wendy Alexander is perhaps the best known of the group, which also includes Margaret Curran, Johann Lamont, Sarah Boyack and Karen Gillon.

However, by far the most entertaining suggestion is that John Reid, soon to be ex-Home Secretary, should be the next leader of Scottish Labour. One of Labour’s recently elected constituency MSPs, it is suggested, should resign their seat and force a by-election that would allow Reid to enter the Scottish Parliament. The suggestion comes from Labour MP Brian Donohoe, who seems to have forgotten the old dictum that the best way to lose an election is to have one.

Mr Donohoe must be delusional if he thinks that John ‘attack-dog’ Reid would be some kind of electoral asset, or that Labour MSPs would welcome him with open arms. But maybe Donohoe just wants to get Reid out of Westminster and thinks that dumping him in the Scottish Parliament is one way to achieve that. Although, I bet Alex Salmond would love the idea.

Minority Government

It has been interesting to watch Alex Salmond's attempts to form an administration. The most obvious candidate as a coalition partner, the Liberal Democrats, have ruled themselves out (for the moment) of a formal coalition with the SNP. This is perhaps understandable as the Lib Dems have had their first experience in a long time of how it feels to be on the crappy end of election night. Losing three constituencies that they have held since the 1980s would have stung, especially as one of them was lost to the man who is likely to become Scotland's new First Minister.

Yet the door is still open for them to enter a coalition at some point in the near future. Today's announcement that the Greens and SNP have signed a formal 'agreement of co-operation' is obviously helpful to Mr Salmond. However this is far from being a coalition or even the 'confidence and supply' agreement that had been talked about earlier in the week. It does gain the SNP two extra votes in most Parliamentary debates, but it does not guarantee Green support for Finance Bills or in confidence motions.

Why have the Greens been so reluctant to join an SNP administration? Firstly there is a point of political difference - the Greens do not like the SNP's road building proposals. Yet it does also seem as if the Greens are reluctant to go into a government with the SNP without the Liberal Democrats also being involved. Indeed, Robin Harper has said that the Green's would consider a formal agreement should the Lib Dems change their mind.

It is hard to judge before it has even taken office how stable the new Executive is going to be. However, if we have a turbulent couple of years with the SNP unable to pass its legislation it is possible to envisage Alex Salmond inviting the Lib Dems into a coalition. Perhaps after a few years without their ministerial limos the Lib Dems might be more amenable to such an invitation. The question is, would they join with Mr Salmond or could we see Jack McConnell return?