Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Reject SNP, Vote Non-Party Candidates Next Week

5/3/2026

48 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Author Urges Reject

The author urges voters to reject the SNP in the Holyrood election next week.
He compares the SNP’s 19-year rule in 2026 to the 14-year Conservative government that ended in 2024.
He says there is no enthusiasm for First Minister John Swinney and argues a SNP win would be hollow.
He suggests voters back the non-SNP candidate most likely to win in each constituency.

Summary

Findlay Urges Pro-UK

Sir John Curtice says the SNP is doing badly yet leads by 17 points, about 60 seats.
Conservative leader Russell Findlay urges pro-UK Scots to back his party on the “peach” ballot while warning a SNP majority would create a referendum in the “blue wall”.
Ipsos Scotland’s Emily Gray notes voter-switching potential and disenchantment that could depress May 7 turnout, while pollsters warn thousands may change their mind before the election.

History

Historical Context

After the SNP secured a 2011 parliamentary majority, the Edinburgh Agreement paved the way for the 18 September 2014 referendum, where 55 % voted against independence with an 84.5 % turnout. Subsequent elections kept the SNP as Scotland’s largest party, though its vote share fell after 2015. In the 2026 Holyrood contest, John Swinney’s SNP still enjoys a 17-point lead, echoing the enduring post-referendum dynamics.

1 of 3

Author Urges Reject

The author urges voters to reject the SNP in the Holyrood election next week.
He compares the SNP’s 19-year rule in 2026 to the 14-year Conservative government that ended in 2024.
He says there is no enthusiasm for First Minister John Swinney and argues a SNP win would be hollow.
He suggests voters back the non-SNP candidate most likely to win in each constituency.

1 / 3