SNP Wins Fifth Term but Loses Majority; O'Neill Seeks to Dissolve UK; Parties Unite to Exclude Reform
Where things stand
Updated May 12, 04:46 PMThe Scottish National Party won a fifth consecutive Scottish Parliament election but fell short of an overall majority. Labour and Reform UK tied for second place with 17 seats each. The Conservatives won 12 seats, their worst result, losing their status as the largest opposition party. The Liberal Democrats returned 10 MSPs. Pro-independence parties—the SNP and Scottish Greens—together hold 73 of 129 seats, a majority. SNP leader John Swinney said he is prepared to work with any party other than Reform UK after failing to secure a majority.
Open questions
- Will the SNP form a minority government or seek a formal coalition?Open since May 9, 2026
- What conditions will the Scottish Greens set for supporting the SNP?Open since May 9, 2026
- How will Reform UK's exclusion affect parliamentary proceedings?Open since May 11, 2026
- What steps will Michelle O'Neill take to cooperate with Scottish and Welsh nationalists?Open since May 9, 2026
- Which parties will ultimately provide support to pass legislation and budgets?
Key actors
What's corroborated
Labour finished second with 17 seats, tied with Reform UK.
3 sourcesacross 2 articlesThe SNP won a fifth successive Scottish Parliament election but fell short of an overall majority.
3 sourcesacross 2 articlesThe Liberal Democrats returned 10 MSPs.
2 sourcesacross 2 articlesJohn Swinney said he is prepared to work with any party other than Reform UK after failing to secure a majority in the Holyrood election.
2 sourcesacross 1 articleThe SNP and Greens together hold 73 of the 129 seats, a majority for pro-independence parties.
2 sourcesacross 1 article
Timeline8
Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan refused to rule out tax increases demanded by the Scottish Greens for supporting SNP legislation.
Multiple major media sources confirm SNP won 58 seats, Reform UK and Labour tied for second with 17 seats each.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill says she will collaborate with SNP and Plaid Cymru to dissolve the UK after their election wins.
Conservative leader Russell Findlay blamed Reform UK for splitting the unionist vote, contributing to the Tories' loss of 19 seats and opposition status.