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Nicola Sturgeon becomes Scottish first minister New Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon makes gender equality pledge
(35 minutes later)
Nicola Sturgeon has been voted in as Scotland's first minister by parliament, with a pledge to tackle inequality. The newly elected first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, has pledged to deliver greater opportunities for women.
Ms Sturgeon, who succeeds Alex Salmond, said she had "big boots" to fill but would "wear them in my own way". Ms Sturgeon, the first female to hold the post, also vowed to tackle low pay and improve childcare.
The politician, who is the first woman to hold the job, took over as SNP leader from Mr Salmond at the weekend. The politician, who succeeded Alex Salmond, said she had "big boots" to fill but would "wear them in my own way".
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Sturgeon pledged to be first minister "of and for all of Scotland". She promised to represent all people in Scotland, regardless of their politics.
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, who took over as SNP leader from Mr Salmond at the weekend, told parliament: "My pledge today to every citizen of our country is simple but it is heartfelt - I will be first minister for all of Scotland, regardless of your politics or your point of view.
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." "My job is to serve you and I promise that I will do so to the very best of my ability."
She added: "I look forward now to getting on and doing it." Describing herself as a "working class girl from Ayrshire", she added: "I hope that my election as first minister does indeed help to open the gate to greater opportunity for all women.
Ministerial reshuffle "I hope that it sends a strong, positive message to girls and young women, indeed to all women, across our land - there should be no limit to your ambition for what you can achieve.
She described becoming first minister as a "great honour and an immense responsibility". Government reshuffle
Ms Sturgeon is also expected shortly to announce the make-up of her cabinet and junior ministerial team. "If you are good enough and if you work hard enough, the sky is the limit and no glass ceiling should ever stop you from achieving your dreams."
As her eight-year-old niece watched from the parliament's public gallery, Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: "She doesn't yet know about the gender pay gap , or underrepresentation, or the barriers like high childcare costs that make it so hard for so many women to work and pursue careers.
"My fervent hope is that she never will."
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.
Ms Sturgeon received 66 votes, the Scottish Conservative leader got 15 and there were 39 abstentions.Ms Sturgeon received 66 votes, the Scottish Conservative leader got 15 and there were 39 abstentions.
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.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.
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 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?