What to expect at Holyrood and beyond as 2026 election race steps up
BBC Scotland political editor Glenn Campbell looks at what lies ahead for Scottish politics this year with the Scottish Parliament election looming in May.
www.bbc.comHere are some of the latest developments around the Scottish Parliament election in May 2026, including what the main parties are focusing on and what current polling suggests.
What’s happening right now
- SNP is positioning for a majority. First Minister John Swinney has said he’s confident the SNP will win enough seats for a majority (the BBC reported him predicting 65 seats would be required).[2]
- Campaign framing is “trust vs change.” STV reported the SNP, Labour, and Conservatives setting out competing claims about what Scotland needs next, with Labour and the Conservatives arguing the SNP has failed to deliver while the SNP argues it’s the only option capable of defeating Reform UK / Nigel Farage.[1]
- Runner-up fight looks tight in polling. Coverage ahead of the election has highlighted uncertainty around who finishes second—with discussion that Labour and Reform could be close.[1]
Election basics (as covered in late April/early May coverage)
- The election date is 7 May, with 129 MSPs being elected.[4]
Where the “race” is believed to be hardest
- Constitutional stakes vs public services. BBC reporting has emphasized that the election is widely seen as a decision about whether the SNP can extend its long period in government, while opponents argue a shift is overdue.[5]
If you tell me whether you care most about polls/seat projections, party-by-party platforms, or key candidates/leaders, I can narrow this to a focused briefing.