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Nicola Sturgeon becomes Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon becomes Scottish first minister
(35 minutes later)
Nicola Sturgeon has been voted in as Scotland's first minister by parliament, after Alex Salmond stepped down from the role. Nicola Sturgeon has been voted in as Scotland's first minister by parliament, with a pledge to tackle inequality.
Ms Sturgeon, who is the first woman to hold the post, has already succeeded Mr Salmond as SNP leader. Ms Sturgeon, who succeeds Alex Salmond, said she had "big boots" to fill but would "wear them in my own way".
She will take part in her first first minister's questions in the new job on Thursday. The politician, who is the first woman to hold the job, took over as SNP leader from Mr Salmond at the weekend.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Sturgeon pledged to be first minister "of and for all of Scotland".
She said: "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."
Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: "I am ready and willing to take on these responsibilities. There is a job to be done - a big job to be done."
She added: "I look forward now to getting on and doing it."
Ministerial reshuffle
She described becoming first minister as a "great honour and an immense responsibility".
Ms Sturgeon is also expected shortly to announce the make-up of her cabinet and junior ministerial team.Ms Sturgeon is also expected shortly to announce the make-up of her cabinet and junior ministerial team.
MSPs went through the process of voting for candidates for first minister on Wednesday afternoon.MSPs went through the process of voting for candidates for first minister on Wednesday afternoon.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson also put her name forward as a "Unionist alternative", although the SNP's parliamentary majority helped ensure Ms Sturgeon got the job as Scotland's fifth first minister.Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson also put her name forward as a "Unionist alternative", although the SNP's parliamentary majority helped ensure Ms Sturgeon got the job as Scotland's fifth first minister.
Speaking in parliament, Ms Sturgeon pledged to be first minister "of and for all of Scotland". Ms Sturgeon received 66 votes, the Scottish Conservative leader got 15 and there were 39 abstentions.
She said: "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." On Thursday, Ms Sturgeon will be formally sworn into the role before Scotland's judges in the Court of Session in Edinburgh, and will receive a Royal Warrant.
Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: "I am ready and willing to take on these responsibilities. There is a job to be done - a big job to be done, adding: "I look forward now to getting on and doing it."
Ministerial reshuffle
On Thursday, Ms Sturgeon will be formally sworn into the role before Scotland's judges in Edinburgh's Court of Session, and will receive a Royal Warrant.
She is also expected to appoint a deputy first minister, possibly as part of a wider reshuffle of the Scottish government's ministerial team later in the week.She is also expected to appoint a deputy first minister, possibly as part of a wider reshuffle of the Scottish government's ministerial team later in the week.
Mr Salmond, who stood down as first minister and SNP leader in the wake of the "No" vote in September's Scottish independence referendum, is staying on as the MSP for Abderdeenshire East.Mr Salmond, who stood down as first minister and SNP leader in the wake of the "No" vote in September's Scottish independence referendum, is staying on as the MSP for Abderdeenshire East.
However, the former MP is also considering standing for Westminster in the 2015 UK election.However, the former MP is also considering standing for Westminster in the 2015 UK election.
Ms Sturgeon's friends and family were present at Holyrood to see her become first minister.Ms Sturgeon's friends and family were present at Holyrood to see her become first minister.
The politicians's mother, Joan Sturgeon, said her daughter had achieved her life's ambition and she was "very, very proud" of her.The politicians's mother, Joan Sturgeon, said her daughter had achieved her life's ambition and she was "very, very proud" of her.
The selection of the parliament's nominee for first minister can be watched live from 14:40 or later on demand, at BBC Scotland's Democracy Live website.The selection of the parliament's nominee for first minister can be watched live from 14:40 or later on demand, at BBC Scotland's Democracy Live website.
The women-only clubThe women-only club
Nicola Sturgeon is set to become the 20th member of the worldwide club of women leaders. At 44, she'll be one of the youngest in its ranks - although she can't beat South Korea's Park Geun-hye who took on her power role at the tender age of 22.Nicola Sturgeon is set to become the 20th member of the worldwide club of women leaders. At 44, she'll be one of the youngest in its ranks - although she can't beat South Korea's Park Geun-hye who took on her power role at the tender age of 22.
So, how else does Ms Sturgeon - the Irvine-born former solicitor - compare with other's in this exclusive set?So, how else does Ms Sturgeon - the Irvine-born former solicitor - compare with other's in this exclusive set?