ABERDEEN, Scotland, October 14(HS): The Scottish National Party (SNP), which just a year ago appeared to be in a state of terminal decline, is now demonstrating a remarkable resurgence, buoyed by stabilizing leadership and a fractured opposition. Party leader John Swinney has steered the SNP from a period of intense turmoil toward a position of renewed competitiveness, with the party now contemplating an outright majority in next May’s crucial Scottish Parliament elections.
This newfound optimism marks a sharp reversal of fortune. The SNP had endured a tumultuous period that included a drubbing in the last general election—plummeting from 48 to just nine MPs—and a leadership revolving door that saw Nicola Sturgeon, Humza Yousaf, and John Swinney take the helm in just over a year.
The party was also beset by a high-profile police investigation into its finances and divisive internal policy battles.However, recent analysis suggests the political landscape has shifted significantly in the SNP’s favour. A poll by More in Common indicates that while the SNP’s support has held steady, Labour’s has more than halved in Scotland since the general election.
The rise of Reform UK has further splintered the opposition, suppressing the Conservative vote and eating into Labour’s as well. This fragmentation has created a path for the SNP to potentially secure a majority at Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament.
Achieving a legislative majority is central to the party’s renewed push for another independence referendum. The SNP’s strategy is to replicate the precedent set in 2011, when a majority victory under Alex Salmond led to the 2014 independence vote. This plan, however, faces a significant obstacle, as the UK government has clearly stated its opposition to another referendum.
The SNP’s enduring strength is rooted in the nation’s deep constitutional divide, with support for independence consistently hovering near 50%. This provides the party with a deep well of potential support, allowing it to defy the political gravity that typically pulls down a party that has been in power for nearly two decades.
—————
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
