This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New MSPs sworn in today
07/05/2003
MSPs are sworn in today at the first session of the Scottish Parliament since the May 1 election.
After taking the Oath of Allegiance, the 129 MSPs elected a Presiding Officer and two deputies in a secret ballot.
George Reid, MSP for Ochil, is the new Presiding Officer. Trish Godman, MSP for West Renfrewshire, and Murray Tosh, MSP for West of Scotland, are his deputies.
Meanwhile, some MSPs have been holding meetings in St Andrew's House in Edinburgh to discuss their options over the formation of a new Executive.
The Parliament has until May 28 to nominate one of its members for appointment as First Minister to lead the 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.