Private roundtable: Continuity or change? What the election result means for Scottish politics

The SNP has seen a tumultuous few years, with the shock resignation of Nicola Sturgeon, two first ministers since, and a major blow at the 2024 general election. Nevertheless, according to polls the SNP seems on track to extend their tenure in Holyrood, albeit with a reduced vote share. Labour, Reform and the Greens are in competition for second place. 

Regardless of the outcome of the May election, the political landscape in Scotland seems set to change drastically. Almost one third of members in Holyrood are set to stand down, allowing for a wave of fresh faces. Reform will not only have a significant presence in Holyrood for the first time, but could form the official opposition. The Liberal Democrats have offered a coalition with Labour to keep the SNP out. With four in ten voters saying they may change their minds, it’s all to play for. 

Party politics is splintering, with lasting impact to be felt across the country. We are delighted to be joined by Mark Diffley, Founder and Director of the Diffley Partnership, and Ailsa Henderson, Professor of Political Science at the University of Edinburgh, to discuss the outcome of the Holyrood election and what this means for Scottish politics moving forward.

This invitation-only event is part of IPPR's Westminster Pulse series; an invitation-only roundtable series which forms part of our partnership programme. For more information on these events or our partnership programme, please contact Victoria Pope on v.pope@ippr.org.