Alex Salmond's bold declaration as first minister-elect sparks controversy
- At Alex Salmond's memorial service in St Giles' Cathedral, attendees recalled anecdotes showcasing his boldness.
- Duncan Hamilton KC shared a story about Salmond declaring himself first minister-elect before the election results were finalized.
- Salmond's declaration came despite the SNP winning only 47 out of 129 MSPs, highlighting his audacity and political strategy.
In Scotland, during Alex Salmond's memorial service at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, many shared anecdotes reflecting on his indomitable spirit and daring personality. One notable account came from Duncan Hamilton KC, a former Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), who narrated an episode from the 2007 polling day. On a helicopter ride to Edinburgh, Salmond surprisingly requested Hamilton to write a victory speech, even before the results were announced. Upon landing, Salmond confidently proclaimed himself first minister-elect, making his aspirations clear despite the fact that the Scottish National Party (SNP) had secured only 47 seats out of a total of 129. His firm stance, at a time when he could have been challenged by the Labour and Scottish Liberal Democrat coalition, demonstrated his audacity and leadership qualities. Rumors suggested that Gordon Brown, who was the Prime Minister at the time, was frustrated with the opposition's inability to consolidate their efforts against Salmond. This audacious claim and his ability to leverage the situation to his advantage had lasting implications for Scottish politics, particularly for the SNP's governance structure. Salmond's actions have since been cited as pivotal moments in shaping the dynamic of minority governance in Scotland, showcasing how a strong leader can turn a potential setback into a significant political advantage.