John Swinney declares victory for SNP in Holyrood elections
The SNP won 58 seats and Labour fell to 17, while Reform UK tied Labour for second and the Greens set a record with 15 MSPs.
- On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the Scottish National Party secured a historic fifth consecutive term, winning 58 seats. First Minister John Swinney is set for reappointment, though the party fell short of the 65 seats required for an overall majority.
- Reform UK emerged as a major force, tying with Scottish Labour for second place with 17 seats each, while the Scottish Conservatives dropped to fourth with 12 seats, marking their worst-ever Holyrood result.
- Voter turnout fell to 58.1% as the SNP captured Shetland and Eastwood from the Conservatives, while the Scottish Greens secured a record 15 MSPs with co-leader Ross Greer calling it a "historic day" after winning Edinburgh Central.
- A pro-independence bloc of 73 seats positions the SNP and Scottish Greens to maintain influence over the next parliamentary term. Swinney demanded the UK Government show "respect" and "listen" to the emphatically returned SNP government.
- Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar admitted his party is "hurting" after failing to win the argument for change, while US President Donald Trump congratulated Swinney on social media, hailing him as a "good man.
40 Articles
40 Articles
Scotland’s push for independence could be back in play after Labour flops
Scotland’s push for another independence referendum could be back in play after nationalists emerged to dominate the country’s devolved parliament following an election that saw a collapse in support for Britain’s two traditional parties of power.
Wirral Globe
Daily EchoTrump congratulates ‘good man’ Swinney on election win
The SNP remains the largest party at Holyrood, despite losing six seats.
The SNP are still in power – but Scotland has changed
Five more years. A quarter-century of Nationalist rule. The SNP have emerged from yet another Holyrood election undefeated, seemingly undefeatable. After an underwhelming campaign that failed to capture the national imagination, Scotland has got what Scotland seemingly wants. John Swinney back in Bute House, but without the majority he set as the trigger for a second independence referendum. An enlarged and empowered group of radical Green MSPs.…
Glasgow Times
Swinney fails to win majority but says SNP ‘emphatically’ won Holyrood election
John Swinney declared the SNP has “emphatically” won the election, and a fifth term in power in Scotland, as Labour recorded its worst ever…
Donald Trump congratulates SNP leader John Swinney but doesn't mention Nigel Farage after Reform surge
US President Donald Trump has congratulated John Swinney following the Scottish National Party's fifth consecutive election win. Mr Trump, who proudly boasts about his mother's Scottish roots, said: “Congratulations to John Swinney on winning his Re-Election for First Minister of Scotland.“He is a good man, who worked very hard, along with the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, with respect to Tariff relief for Great Scottish Whiskey — and de…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
