26 November 2014
Becoming First Minister:
Nicola Sturgeon became Scotland’s first female First Minister on November 19, 2014 – she takes us through her diary of her first week in the top job!
Monday:
I spent the day in my Glasgow Southside constituency.
I’ve always believed that no matter what position you hold in Government, you are always first and foremost a constituency MSP – I’m determined to maintain that as First Minister.
Tuesday:
This morning I was photographed for my official Bute House portrait, which will go up on the wall alongside the previous First Ministers’.
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Next was the weekly meeting of the Cabinet, the last to be chaired by Alex Salmond. As always, there is a lot of serious business to discuss but we finished up by giving Alex a special golf bag as a goodbye gift!
Wednesday:
This morning I visited the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh to meet staff, patients and their families.
I was Health Secretary for five years and I know just how hard our NHS staff work and as First Minister I will put a big focus on helping the NHS meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Meeting young Esme made me realise what being First Minister is all about.
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Then it was off to the Scottish Parliament to begin the process for my election as First Minister.
Big day. I promise that I will give it my all and serve everyone in our country to the very best of my ability.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 19, 2014
I was joined by Joe FitzPatrick MSP and HumzaYousaf MSP as I signed my nomination paper.
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I was then voted in as First Minister, with my husband Peter and our family watching from the gallery. I could see the occasion was getting to my mum!
Then I had time with family and friends, where I got to thank them for everything they have done over the years.
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I also had a few important phone calls. The Prime Minister and Scottish Secretary phoned to congratulate me and I was able to have discussions with both of them about the path ahead.
Thursday:
My first appointment was at the Court of Session to be formally sworn in as First Minister – a very special occasion.
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Then at First Minister’s Questions I decided to start off on a consensual tone. I want all MSPs to feel that if they have good suggestions about making Scotland a better place to live, they can be sure that I will listen.
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For my first official engagement as First Minister, I invited carers into Bute House to hear their views on issues impacting on their lives.
Friday:
The main task of the day was appointing my Cabinet and ministers.
Delighted to announce that @johnswinney is the new Deputy First Minister of @scotgov #reshuffle pic.twitter.com/b31suC4HAL
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 21, 2014
It is a team of all the talents, which will take forward this Government’s priorities confidently and effectively.
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I am proud that we have a 50/50 gender balance in our Cabinet and will encourage others to follow our example.
Saturday:
Time to head back to Glasgow! What a week!
Home for first time in a week. And what a special week it has been. Thanks for all your lovely messages of support.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 22, 2014