Thursday, May 17, 2007
Minority SNP government in Scotland, continued uncertainty in Wales
Scotland has now a minority Scottish National Party (SNP) government supported by the Scottish Greens. Yesterday, the Scottish Parliament voted to elect SNP leader Alex Salmond as First Minister by 49 to 46; Conservatives and Liberal Democrat MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament) abstained from voting. Meanwhile, in Wales the Conservatives are holding talks with the nationalist Plaid Cymru (Party of Wales) about forming a coalition government along with the Liberal Democrats. In the National Assembly for Wales election held last May 7, Labour remained the largest party but fell short of an absolute majority. It was originally anticipated Labour would form a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, but Labour leader Rhodri Morgan appears inclined to form a minority government.
If no agreement is reached by the end of the month, it will be necessary to hold another National Assembly election.
