Scottish independence: Salmond to serve full term

ALEX SALMOND has confirmed he will serve out his full term as First Minister if Scots reject independence in next month’s referendum.

Salmond stated that he had been elected on a pledge to hold an independence vote and would remain in office until the next Holyrood election in 2016. Picture: TSPL

The First Minister stated that he had been elected on a pledge to hold an independence vote and would remain in office until the next Holyrood election in 2016.

MR Salmond previously told a public meeting that he would “retire from politics tomorrow” if that provided a guarantee of a Yes vote.

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However, during a BBC Radio Scotland phone-in programme today, Mr Salmond insisted he would serve his full five year term as First Minister.

Mr Salmond was answering questions from voters for more than 90 minutes on issues such as the taxation and currency arrangements in an independent Scotland, to the affordability of pensions and childcare.

Asked by one caller if he would resign immediately after a No vote, he said: “No, I will discharge my responsibility. I was elected as First Minister in 2011, and I would like to serve out my term.”

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