Neil was born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, and educated at the University of Glasgow. After graduating, he worked as a solicitor before entering politics.
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Neil was elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, representing Airdrie and Shotts. He served as the Minister for Health and Community Care from 2000 to 2003, and as the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism from 2003 to 2007. In 2007, he became the Deputy Leader of the SNP.
After Alex Salmond resigned as First Minister in 2014, Neil was elected to succeed him. He led the SNP to victory in the 2015 Scottish Parliament election, winning a majority of seats. However, he resigned as First Minister in 2016, after losing a vote of no confidence in the Scottish Parliament.
Neil is married to Mary, and they have two children.