Historic win for SNP but change and challenges ahead at Holyrood

"Devolution was designed by Labour and delivered by Labour but the political era it ushered in has been dominated by the Scottish National Party. As the sun dipped behind Holyrood at the end of a long day's counting, SNP leader John Swinney told me his party had won the election "hands down." Describing the margin of victory as "significant and emphatic," Swinney insisted "the public expectation" was now for him "to be returned as first minister and to lead a government.""

"The SNP leader said he would work "to find common ground" with any party except Reform UK, which he described as having "completely different values" to his. "People are feeling fragile. Times are tough. The world is a place in turmoil and I think what people want is a first minister who will bring people together," he told me. Whatever the outcome of those chats, it is clear that Swinney is comfortable with the idea of minority government and of negotiating with most rivals on an issue-by-issue basis."

"As we spoke outside Holyrood, a small crowd holding saltires and placards had gathered calling for Scottish independence in word and song. The strains of Flower of Scotland could be heard drifting across the parliamentary pond. The singers will be heartened by the fact that there is once again a pro-independence majority here. It comprises 58 SNP MSPs and 15 jubilant Scottish Greens, a record haul which puts them just behind Labour and Reform UK, who were tied on 17 apiece."

"Indeed, he repeatedly talked up the prospect of outright victory, a very high bar in a parliament where the electoral system is designed to make minority or coalition government the norm. He did not come particularly close to achieving that aim. While this was obviously a clear victory for the SNP, and a remarkable achievement after 19 years in power, it was not the wholesale endor"

Devolution was created by Labour but the political era it enabled has been dominated by the Scottish National Party. After election counting, SNP leader John Swinney said his party had won decisively and that public expectations were for him to return as first minister and lead a government. He said he would seek common ground with parties except Reform UK, which he described as having different values. He emphasized that people feel fragile and want a first minister who brings people together. Swinney appeared comfortable with minority government and negotiating on an issue-by-issue basis. Pro-independence supporters gathered outside Holyrood, and a pro-independence majority was described as including SNP and Scottish Greens, with Labour and Reform UK tied behind.

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