The polls have closed and the counting has begun. Later today, we will know just who has come out on top in the Scottish elections as the results start dropping in. Early indications are that John Swinney and the SNP will fall short of a majority. But will that open the door to another coalition with the Greens?
The rival parties are eyeing up 70 constituency seats, elected by the first-past-the-post method. There are a further eight electoral regions each with seven additional MSPs based on a form of proportional voting. In total, 129 parliamentarians are elected.
The magic number for a majority is, therefore, 65 but while that looks unlikely, there could be a pro-independence majority if the SNP and Greens were to share power once again. And that could pile more pressure on Keir Starmer over the prospect of IndyRef2.
Breaking:Regional result for Edinburgh and Lothians East is in…
Breaking:Regional result for Mid Scotland and Fife is in…
Murdo Fraser and Stephen Kerr back for the Tories…
Swinney claims SNP has ‘won emphatically’
It is now clear that the SNP has won and we have won emphatically. Living in a democracy is something that all of us should cherish and I would like thank everyone who voted in this election. Once again the people of Scotland have put their trust in us. However you voted today, I promise that I will be a First Minister for all of Scotland.
All of us care about our country’s future. I give you my commitment that I will work every day to improve your life and make Scotland the nation we know it can be.
Veteran SNP MSP Fergus Ewing will not return
Breaking:Lib Dems take Caithness and Sutherland
So, where do we stand at the moment?
Breaking:Jackie Baillie holds Dumbarton for Labour
Now whilst it is undoubtedly a positive result in this constituency because we have almost doubled the majority, I am disappointed in the overall result across the country.
We made the argument for change in this election but we’ve lost that argument, but the need for change absolutely remains.
Douglas Ross says Reform ‘missed a trick’
Greens claim they are no longer a ‘wasted vote’
SNP holds Clydesdale
Humiliation for Labour in Scotland
-
Swinney claims SNP has ‘won emphatically’
-
Douglas Ross says Reform ‘missed a trick’
-
Tory winner calls Reform ‘handmaiden’ of SNP
-
Angus Robertson third as Lorna Slater wins Edinburgh Central
-
The state of play so far
-
Stephen Flynn plays down his ambitions
-
John Swinney says SNP wins are ‘precious’
-
Tories blame Reform for SNP win in Aberdeen
-
Anas Sarwar under pressure



