4th Scottish Parliament
The 4th Scottish Parliament served as the legislative body for Scotland from May 11, 2011, to March 24, 2016. This term was characterized by a significant shift in political power following the 2011 general election, leading to the formation of two distinct government administrations during its five-year tenure.
The parliament operated out of the Scottish Parliament Building, managing the jurisdiction of Scotland through a body of 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- Term Duration: 11 May 2011 – 24 March 2016.
- Total Members: 129 MSPs.
- Presiding Officer: Rt Hon Tricia Marwick.
- Governing Party: Scottish National Party (SNP).
- First Ministers: Alex Salmond (2011–14) and Nicola Sturgeon (2014–16).
The 2011 General Election
The composition of the 4th Parliament was determined by the 2011 general election. The electoral system utilized a combination of two methods to ensure representation:
- First Past the Post: 73 members were elected directly from individual constituencies.
- Mixed Member Proportional Representation: 56 members were returned from eight regions, with each region electing seven MSPs to balance the overall proportionality of the parliament.
The election results produced an unexpected majority government. The Scottish National Party (SNP) secured 69 seats, while the opposition Scottish Labour Party saw a decline, winning 37 seats (a decrease of seven from the previous election).
Government Leadership and Administration
The 4th Parliament saw the transition between two government administrations. Initially, Alex Salmond formed his second government, serving as First Minister from 2011 to 2014, with Nicola Sturgeon as Deputy First Minister.
In 2014, leadership shifted to the first government led by Nicola Sturgeon, who became First Minister, while John Swinney took over as Deputy First Minister for the remainder of the term until 2016.
Opposition Leadership
The role of the leader of the largest opposition party saw frequent changes during this term, held by the following individuals:
- Iain Gray (2011)
- Johann Lamont (2011–14)
- Jackie Baillie (2014)
- Kezia Dugdale (2014–15)
- Iain Gray (2015)
- Kezia Dugdale (2015–16)
Parliamentary Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Term | 11 May 2011 – 24 March 2016 |
| Total MSPs | 129 |
| Majority Party | Scottish National Party (69 seats) |
| Main Opposition | Scottish Labour Party (37 seats) |
| Presiding Officer | Rt Hon Tricia Marwick |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the 4th Scottish Parliament serve?
The 4th Scottish Parliament was in session from May 11, 2011, until March 24, 2016.
How were the 129 MSPs elected?
The members were elected through a hybrid system: 73 were chosen via first past the post constituencies, and 56 were elected from eight regions using mixed member proportional representation.
Who were the First Ministers during this term?
The First Ministers were Alex Salmond, who served from 2011 to 2014, and Nicola Sturgeon, who served from 2014 to 2016.
Which party held the majority in the 4th Parliament?
The Scottish National Party (SNP) held the majority with 69 seats.
Who served as the Presiding Officer?
The Rt Hon Tricia Marwick served as the Presiding Officer for the 4th Scottish Parliament.