SNP First minister

Salmond elected as first minister

Alex Salmond has made political history after becoming the first Nationalist to be elected first minister of Scotland. The SNP leader was voted into office in parliament by 49 votes to 46, after he was supported by the Greens. The Lib Dems and the Conservatives abstained. Mr McConnell, the former first minister, congratulated Mr Salmond on his victory and said he would be proud to lead the largest opposition party the Scottish Parliament has ever had.

This was Salmond's speech earlier today prior to the vote: