Minority Rule Could Unite The SNP And Bring Independence Talks Back To The Forefront, Says Political Expert
Omar Malik
29/04/24
(Image Credit: Altopix/Shutterstock)
Party unity and a resurgence in independence talks could occur after the SNP forms a minority government, says a political expert.
First Minister Humza Yousaf rejected calls to resign last week after ending the SNP’s power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens.
But the move may work in Mr Yousaf’s favour, according to Neil McGarvey, a senior teaching fellow in politics at Strathclyde University: “He’s trying to bring the elements of the party back together under one barrier. Governing as a single party without a parliamentary majority makes voting as one almost compulsory if you want to push through your agenda.”
The SNP must now rely on the backing of opposition MSPs in order to pass laws. This has led to opposition leaders calling for an election - referring to the minority government as untenable.
“Perceptions of unity and competence within the SNP have in recent years broken down. Differing strategic and ideological visions have led to breakways within the party. While the leadership election magnified many of those divisions between individual members of the SNP in terms of future strategy,” McGarvey told Blether.
(Image Credit: Altopix/Shutterstock)
After a tumultuous week, Mr Yousaf's leadership will be put to the test during an imminent no-confidence vote, which could see him removed from his position.
After cancelling a speech on independence at Strathclyde University, the First Minister announced last Friday that he believes he will win the vote and insists that he will lead the SNP into the next general election and the 2026 Holyrood election.
According to McGarvey, the disunity of the SNP has coincided with a divided independence movement: “This fragmentation has been a major feature of Scottish politics in recent years - particularly when you contrast it with what it was like before, during, and even for a good few years after the independence referendum.”
Scottish Labour announced that they will hold a no-confidence vote in the Scottish government, saying fresh leadership is required.
The motion will likely be debated shortly, after the Scottish Lib Dems announced their support, succeeding the threshold of 25 MSPs needed to ensure a debate.