Scottish Parliament election 2026: The parties continue to campaign
Voters will go the polls on 7 May to elect 129 members of the Scottish Parliament.
www.bbc.comScottish Parliament election coverage right now is largely focused on the final run-up to the vote on 7 May 2026, with the big storyline being whether the SNP can win a majority—and what that would mean for the prospect of a second independence referendum.[2][3]
What key reports are saying
- Election date and seat count: Voters go to the polls on 7 May, to elect 129 MSPs.[3]
- SNP pushing for a majority: First Minister John Swinney has said he is confident the SNP will win enough seats for a majority (the coverage describes this as 65 seats) and that a majority would be a mandate for a further independence referendum.[2]
- Counter-campaigning:
- Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar frames the choice as “SNP again” vs a Labour government focused on fixing areas like the NHS.[1]
- Scottish Conservatives (leader Russell Findlay) are also stressing that they can prevent an SNP majority and arguing Holyrood has “failed to deliver,” including on public services and the economy.[1]
The “battle for second place”
- Some coverage points to polling suggesting the SNP could stay largest, while the fight for second place could be close between Labour and Reform (with the Reform leader referenced as Nigel Farage).[1]
Latest campaign snapshot (very near election)
- Reporting close to polling day notes that parties are actively campaigning on how to use the regional ballot paper to reduce the chances of an SNP majority, highlighting the possibility of splits among pro-UK voters.[3]
If you tell me whether you want (a) polling/momentum, (b) what each party is proposing (NHS, economy, independence), or (c) results analysis as of election day, I’ll tailor the roundup.