What is the first minister?

A First Minister is the head of a devolved government in the UK. Scotland and Wales each have a First Minister who leads their government. Northern Ireland has a joint office of First Minister and deputy First Minister, shared between the largest unionist and nationalist parties. They are chosen by their parliament or assembly.

In Scotland, the Scottish Parliament nominates the First Minister, who is then appointed by the King. The First Minister picks the Cabinet and leads on devolved areas such as health, education, justice and Scottish income tax. After the May 2026 election, the SNP leader was re-elected First Minister on 20 May 2026, leading a minority government. The First Minister of Scotland also answers questions weekly.

In Wales, the Senedd nominates the First Minister. After the May 2026 election, the Plaid Cymru leader became First Minister on 12 May 2026. It was the first time Wales had been led by a party other than Labour. Plaid governs as a minority with 43 of 96 seats. Plaid needs support from other parties to pass its Budget and laws, as any minority government does.

In Northern Ireland, the First Minister and deputy First Minister hold equal power in a joint office. Neither can act alone, and if one resigns the other must also leave office. The post of First Minister goes to the largest party, and deputy First Minister to the largest from the other main community. Since 2024 Sinn Féin has held the First Minister post.