Scottish National Party - 2024 General Election

In the July 4, 2024, UK General Election, the Scottish National Party (SNP) experienced a significant decline in support across Scotland. The party's representation in Westminster diminished from 48 seats in 2019 to just 9, marking their poorest performance since 2010.

Several factors contributed to this downturn. The SNP faced internal challenges, including leadership changes and financial investigations. Nicola Sturgeon resigned in February 2023, succeeded by Humza Yousaf, who also stepped down amid a government crisis, leading to John Swinney's unopposed leadership in May 2024. Additionally, the party was embroiled in a police investigation concerning its finances, further impacting public perception.

During the election campaign, the SNP's manifesto emphasized Scottish independence, stating that a majority win in Scottish seats would empower the Scottish Government to initiate negotiations for a second independence referendum. However, this stance did not resonate sufficiently with the electorate, leading to substantial seat losses.

In contrast, the Labour Party capitalized on the SNP's challenges, securing 37 seats in Scotland—a gain of 36 seats compared to the previous election. The Liberal Democrats also improved their standing, increasing their representation from four to six seats.

Post-election, SNP leaders acknowledged the need for introspection. John Swinney accepted responsibility for the results but chose not to resign, emphasizing the necessity for the party to enhance its governance and reconnect with the Scottish populace. Stephen Flynn, the SNP's Westminster leader, attributed the electoral losses to "self-inflicted wounds" and a focus on fringe policies, underscoring the imperative to rebuild voter trust.

The 2024 General Election marked a pivotal moment for the SNP, highlighting the challenges of internal cohesion and public perception in maintaining political dominance.