first minister

Steady38 stories4 sourcesLast updated: 6d ago

Latest Stories

France Accuses Israeli Firm BlackCore of Interfering in Scottish Elections

France's cybersecurity agency Viginum has accused Israeli tech company BlackCore of orchestrating a digital interference campaign targeting Scottish First Minister John Swinney and the Scottish government during recent elections. The firm allegedly used proxy social media accounts to spread disinformation, with similar operations noted in France, New York, Togo, and Angola. The sponsor behind BlackCore's actions remains unidentified.

Guardian UK

Israeli Firm BlackCore Accused of Disinformation Campaign Targeting Scotland's First Minister

Urgent

Politics·6d agoAI summary

Israeli Firm BlackCore Accused of Disinformation Campaign Targeting Scotland's First Minister

France's Viginum agency claims Israeli firm BlackCore spread disinformation targeting Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and the SNP before the recent election. The firm allegedly used hundreds of social media accounts to coordinate comments on posts by Swinney and the Scottish government.

BBC UK News

Joint Inquiry Called for Murrell's Financial Crimes

Urgent

Politics·6/1/2026AI summary

Joint Inquiry Called for Murrell's Financial Crimes

Former Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell has called for a joint inquiry by the UK and Scottish parliaments into Peter Murrell's embezzlement of over £400,000 from the SNP. Murrell, estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty last week. McConnell suggested a joint probe could avoid perceptions of a cover-up or a 'hatchet job'.

BBC News

Joint Inquiry Called for Murrell's Financial Crimes by UK and Scottish Parliaments

Developing

Politics·6/1/2026AI summary

Joint Inquiry Called for Murrell's Financial Crimes by UK and Scottish Parliaments

Former Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell urges UK and Scottish parliaments to hold a joint inquiry into Peter Murrell's £400,000 embezzlement from the SNP. He suggests this would avoid perceptions of a cover-up or a "hatchet job" and examine the relationship between the prosecution service and government.

BBC UK News

Peter Murrell pleads guilty to embezzling £400,310.65 from SNP

BREAKING

Crime·5/25/2026AI summary

Peter Murrell pleads guilty to embezzling £400,310.65 from SNP

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,310.65 from the party. He admitted reduced charges in court after nearly £60,000 was deleted from the indictment. The judge called it a "gross breach of trust" and remanded him into custody.

Guardian UK

Scotland faces 'undoubtedly' cuts amid £5bn shortfall, warns deputy first minister

Developing

Politics·5/24/2026AI summary

Scotland faces 'undoubtedly' cuts amid £5bn shortfall, warns deputy first minister

Scotland's deputy first minister, Jenny Gilruth, warned of "undoubtedly" necessary cuts to address a projected £5bn funding gap by 2030. She emphasized protecting services and frontline workers while exploring public sector reform and shared services, but faced criticism from opposition parties regarding transparency and potential job losses.

BBC UK News

John Swinney to Appoint Jenny Gilruth as Scotland's Deputy First Minister

Developing

Politics·5/21/2026AI summary

John Swinney to Appoint Jenny Gilruth as Scotland's Deputy First Minister

John Swinney is expected to name Jenny Gilruth as Scotland's Deputy First Minister as he reshapes the SNP Cabinet following the recent Scottish Parliament election. Gilruth, currently Education Secretary, was seen arriving at Bute House. Swinney, sworn in for his second term, aims to address the cost-of-living crisis and NHS reform.

TOI World

John Swinney Re-appointed First Minister of Scotland

Politics

5/19/2026AI summary

John Swinney Re-appointed First Minister of Scotland

John Swinney has been re-appointed as First Minister of Scotland after winning a vote in the Scottish Parliament. His appointment, supported by a pro-independence majority, will be rubber-stamped by the King.

BBC UK News

Welsh First Minister Confirms Independence Talk with Keir Starmer

Politics

5/19/2026AI summary

Welsh First Minister Confirms Independence Talk with Keir Starmer

Wales' First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth confirmed he discussed Welsh independence with UK PM Keir Starmer. Ap Iorwerth aims to lead a 'national conversation' on independence, while critics argue he's distracted from core issues like the NHS and cost of living.

BBC UK News

Starmer Open to Devolution Talks with New Welsh First Minister

Politics

5/15/2026AI summary

Starmer Open to Devolution Talks with New Welsh First Minister

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expresses openness to discussing further devolution powers with Wales' new First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, amid calls for more funding and rail improvements.

BBC UK News

UK Politics Live: Starmer Faces Leadership Challenges Amid NHS and Education Reforms

Developing

Politics·5/13/2026AI summary

UK Politics Live: Starmer Faces Leadership Challenges Amid NHS and Education Reforms

Keir Starmer faces leadership challenges as allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting indicate he may resign and potentially challenge for the leadership. Starmer has announced key reforms in education, health, and the courts in the King's Speech, aiming to prove his ability to enact change.

Guardian UK

Politics

5/13/2026AI summary

UK Politics Live: Starmer Faces Leadership Challenges Amid NHS and Education Reforms

Keir Starmer faces leadership challenges as allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting indicate he may resign and potentially challenge for the leadership. Starmer has expressed 'full confidence' in Streeting. The King's Speech outlined 37 bills, including education, health, and energy reforms.

Guardian UK

Politics

5/13/2026AI summary

UK Politics Updates: Wes Streeting Remains Health Secretary, King's Speech Debate, and Nigel Farage Investigation

Downing Street confirms Wes Streeting remains Health Secretary amid potential leadership challenge rumors. The King's Speech debate begins with jibes from Labour's Naz Shah. A European partnership bill aims to align UK regulations with the EU, potentially adding £5.1bn annually to the economy. Nigel Farage faces a parliamentary inquiry over an undeclared £5m donation.

Guardian UK

Wes Streeting Prepares to Resign and Launch UK Labour Leadership Challenge

Developing

Politics·5/13/2026AI summary

Wes Streeting Prepares to Resign and Launch UK Labour Leadership Challenge

Wes Streeting, UK's health secretary, is reportedly preparing to resign and launch a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer, potentially as early as tomorrow, despite doubts over his support among MPs.

Guardian UK

Keir Starmer Meets Wes Streeting Amid Leadership Challenges

Developing

Politics·5/13/2026AI summary

Keir Starmer Meets Wes Streeting Amid Leadership Challenges

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer met Health Secretary Wes Streeting for 17 minutes amid calls for Starmer's resignation. The meeting's outcome is unclear, but Starmer's leadership faces challenges, including a potential no-confidence vote by the SNP and predictions from Labour-supporting unions that he won't lead the party into the next election.

Guardian UK

Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth Sworn in as Wales' First Minister

Politics

5/12/2026AI summary

Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth Sworn in as Wales' First Minister

Rhun ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru is sworn in as Wales' first non-Labour first minister, promising a new era of governance and working constructively with the UK government for Wales' best interests.

BBC News

Politics

5/12/2026AI summary

Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth Sworn in as Wales' First Minister

Rhun ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru becomes Wales' first non-Labour first minister after historic election win, promising a government for all communities and vowing to address NHS waiting lists, education, and economic growth.

BBC News

Rhun ap Iorwerth becomes Wales' first minister

Politics

5/12/2026AI summary

Rhun ap Iorwerth becomes Wales' first minister

Rhun ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru becomes Wales' first minister after his party's historic election victory, promising a government for all communities

BBC News

Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth voted first minister of Wales

NEWS

5/12/2026

Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth voted first minister of Wales

Appointment confirmed by plenary vote in Senedd after party ended 100 years of Labour rule in last week’s electionRhun ap Iorwerth has been voted first minister of Wales after Plaid Cymru’s Senedd electoral victory ended 100 years of Labour hegemony and held off Reform UK.Ap Iorwerth was confirmed after a plenary vote on Tuesday with the support of the 43 Senedd members of his party and two Greens. Continue reading...

Guardian UK

First minister resigns and calls for Starmer’s resignation ahead of critical cabinet meeting – UK politics live

NEWS

5/12/2026

First minister resigns and calls for Starmer’s resignation ahead of critical cabinet meeting – UK politics live

Miatta Fahnbulleh – minister for devolution, faith and communities – has become the first minister to goStarmer on the brink as cabinet ministers urge him to quitHere are some pictures from No 10 this morning.Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the PM, is now being interviewed on the Today programme. Nick Robinson, the presenter, is asking him if he knows whether Keir Starmer has decided how to respond to the pressure on him to resign. Jones is avoiding the question, as he did on Sky News earlier. (See 7.43am.) Continue reading...

Guardian UK

Minister resigns from Starmer government with call for PM to quit

NEWS

5/12/2026

Minister resigns from Starmer government with call for PM to quit

Communities minister Miatta Fahnbulleh is first minister to leave government after heavy election lossesUK politics live – latest updatesMiatta Fahnbulleh has become the first minister to resign from Keir Starmer’s government, calling on the prime minister to quit.The communities minister’s resignation came as one of Starmer’s closest aides declined to say whether he would lead Labour into the next election amid mounting calls for him to resign. Continue reading...

Guardian UK

NEWS

5/11/2026

Rhun ap Iorwerth to become Wales' new first minister within days

Three other Senedd parties indicate they will either back his nomination or not oppose him.

BBC UK News

NEWS

5/10/2026

Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth willing to 'take the fight' to Keir Starmer

The Plaid leader says he will "call out" the UK government, if that is needed, as first minister.

BBC News

Plaid Cymru leader says he hopes to be made first minister as early as Tuesday

NEWS

5/10/2026

Plaid Cymru leader says he hopes to be made first minister as early as Tuesday

Rhun ap Iowerth says he hopes his party’s programme for government will get backing from across the SeneddUK politics live – latest updatesThe leader of Plaid Cymru is hoping to become Welsh first minister as early as Tuesday after his party won a historic victory in the Senedd elections, soundly beating Labour and holding off Reform UK.Plaid fell short of winning a majority in the Welsh parliament but Rhun ap Iorwerth said on Sunday he hoped that other parties would work with him and told UK Labour not to punish Wales over the result. Continue reading...

Guardian UK