"Before the World Cup finals and the Commonwealth Games, 2026 brings an intense political contest in Scotland. This is a Holyrood election year that will either end or extend the SNP's nearly two decades in charge of the Scottish government. In recent months, the first minister John Swinney has seemed on course to secure a fifth term in power for his party. That would mean retaining control of key services like the NHS, education and policing."
"He has highlighted some progress in reducing both NHS waiting times and child poverty since taking over as first minister. Swinney's rivals believe a change of government is more overdue than the new CalMac ferries ordered from the Ferguson shipyard on the Clyde. The housing shortage, high drug deaths and the waiting problems that persist in the NHS are among their complaints."
Scotland faces an intense political contest in 2026, a Holyrood election year that could end or extend the SNP's nearly two decades in government. John Swinney appears on course to secure a fifth term for the SNP, which would keep control of the NHS, education and policing. Swinney highlights progress reducing NHS waiting times and child poverty. Opponents point to housing shortages, high drug deaths and persistent NHS waiting problems as reasons for change. The SNP remains ahead in recent polls despite being less popular than in 2021. Labour's ratings have fallen after a strong 2024 Westminster performance, while Reform UK and Conservatives split opposition support.
Read at www.bbc.com
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