| Leader of the Opposition in the Scottish Parliament | |
|---|---|
| Scottish Gaelic: Ceannard an Luchd-dùbhlain ann am Pàrlamaid na h-Alba | |
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| Scottish Parliament Opposition Shadow Cabinet | |
| Style | Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) |
| Term length | While leader of the largest political party in the Scottish Parliament that is not in government |
| Inaugural holder | Alex Salmond |
| Formation | May 1999 |
In the Scottish Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition (more formally, the Leader of the Opposition in the Scottish Parliament) is an unofficial title often used to describe the leader of the largest political party in the Scottish Parliament that is not in government. This leader has also been referred to as the Shadow First Minister.[1]
Unlike in the Parliament at Westminster where there is an Official Opposition to the government of the day, all parties in the Scottish Parliament that are not in government are all legally on the same footing as 'opposition parties'.
On 27 September 2024, following a leadership election within the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party,[2] Russell Findlay succeeded Douglas Ross, who had served in this role from 2021 to 2024, as Leader of the Opposition in Holyrood.
To date there have been 14 individuals who have led the largest opposition party, three from the Scottish National Party, seven from the Scottish Labour Party and four from the Scottish Conservative Party.
- ^ "The Scottish Parliament: Mr John Swinney MSP". 2 November 2002. Archived from the original on 2 November 2002. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
- ^ Craig Williams (29 September 2024). "New Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay promises to 'change' party". BBC Scotland News. Edinburgh. Retrieved 27 September 2024.