Headline: Swinney Rules Out Talks With Reform UK After SNP Election Victory
- May 9
- 1 min read
Why this matters:The result leaves the SNP dependent on support from other parties to govern Scotland. It also renews debate over Scottish independence and Reform UK’s growing political influence.
Date: 9 May 2026
Tags: Politics, Scotland, UK, Elections
Summary:
John Swinney ruled out coalition talks with Reform UK after the Holyrood election.
The SNP won a fifth consecutive Scottish Parliament election but fell seven seats short of a majority.
Labour and Reform UK each secured 17 seats, tying for second place in Holyrood.
The Scottish Greens won 15 seats, Conservatives 12, and Liberal Democrats 10.
Swinney said all Holyrood party leaders except Reform would be invited to talks.
Reform Scotland leader Malcolm Offord accused Swinney of being “deeply undemocratic”.
Swinney argued Reform’s electoral rise strengthened the case for Scottish independence.
The SNP leader said Scotland should become “Farage-proofed” before the 2029 UK election.
Swinney maintained the SNP and Greens together hold a renewed independence mandate.
Opposition parties rejected claims that the election result justified another independence referendum.
What’s next:Cross-party talks are expected to begin next week as the SNP seeks support to form a government. Debate over a future independence referendum is likely to remain central in Scottish politics.
Comments