Alex Cole-Hamilton to run for first minister when MSPs vote on top job

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has confirmed he will be running for first minister when MSPs vote on who should have the top job next week.

While SNP leader John Swinney – who currently holds the post – is certain to be re-elected as his party is the largest in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Cole-Hamilton said it “would be an insult to democracy” if Tuesday’s vote is taken as “some kind of done deal”.

He said the ballot is a “key part of our parliamentary democracy”, as well as being the chance for him to “make the case for a liberal vision of Scotland”.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said he will put himself forward to be first minister after “phenomenal” results for his party in the Holyrood election.

The Liberal Democrats increased their tally of MSPs from four in 2026 to 10, claiming victories in the Strathkelvin and Bearsden and Edinburgh Northern constituencies as well as ousting the SNP in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, and Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “I understand that the outcome of this election has been decided, but no party has won a majority.

“If our democracy is about anything, it is about the exchange of ideas for what our country can become. By standing for first minister, I want to show how Scottish Liberal Democrats envisage that change.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats want a government that is focused every single day on fixing the NHS, on addressing the cost-of-living crisis, on getting Scottish education back to its best.

“We want a government that respects the needs of people in every corner of this country, that will end the ferries chaos, upgrade dangerous roads and get Scotland moving again.”

Published: 17/05/2026 by Radio NewsHub