Scottish Voters Demand Change Beyond SNP Leadership

Scottish voters are expressing significant dissatisfaction with the Scottish National Party (SNP) as the country approaches the Scottish Parliament election on May 7, 2026. Recent data and voter sentiment indicate a growing desire for a change in leadership, driven by perceived failures in the delivery of essential public services.

According to a Spring 2026 political snapshot from YouGov, only 27% of people in Scotland believe the Scottish government is doing a good job. The survey found that 58% of Scots disapprove of the record of the Scottish government to date.

Public Service Failures and Voter Discontent

The discontent is largely centered on the management of the National Health Service (NHS) and housing. The YouGov data reveals that seven in ten Scots believe the Scottish government is handling these two critical areas badly. Health and the economy have been identified as the most pressing issues facing the country.

This sentiment is echoed by individual voters who describe a feeling of being scunnered—a Scots term for being disgusted or fed up—with the political establishment. Some long-term voters have indicated they may abstain from the upcoming vote as a form of protest against all major parties.

The Electoral Landscape

Despite the decline in popularity compared to the 2021 election, the SNP is still projected to remain the largest party. Sir John Curtice, a professor of politics at Strathclyde University, noted that while opinion polls suggest the SNP will maintain its position as the largest party, the specific numbers vary across different polls.

The political environment remains volatile as other parties attempt to capitalize on the SNP’s weakened standing. Scottish Labour and Reform UK are both appearing as potential beneficiaries of the shift in voter sentiment, though Labour has faced its own challenges. In February 2026, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar distanced himself from the UK government’s leadership, stating there had been too many mistakes by No 10 since Keir Starmer took power.

The election on May 7 will determine which party or coalition holds responsibility for delivering major public services, including education and health, for the next five years.