This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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MSPs meet at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh
06/05/2003
Newly-elected MSPs today held a meeting at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh, the headquarters of the Scottish Executive, to discuss options in advance of tomorrow's first parliamentary session following last week's election.
The election returned 129 MSPs for the new session which is due to run until 2007. Tomorrow they will take the Oath of Allegiance and elect a new Presiding Officer and two Deputy Presiding Officers.
The Parliament has until May 28 to nominate one of its members for appointment as First Minister to lead the Scottish Executive.
After receiving his or her Warrant of Appointment from the Queen the First Minister may, with the agreement of Parliament and the approval of the Queen, then appoint Scottish Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
Details of the outcome of the election, which was held on May 1, can be found on the Scottish Parliament website.