Reform UK 'bullish' as polls point to Scottish success
The Guardian|December 02, 2024
Reform UK is celebrating "an extraordinary sense of momentum" in Scotland, as the UK's top polling expert predicts the populist-right party could end up deciding the next Holyrood government.
Libby Brooks
Reform UK 'bullish' as polls point to Scottish success

The deputy leader, Richard Tice, said the mood was "bullish and optimistic" as the party held its first Scottish conference in Perth on Saturday.

Reform took 7% of the vote in Scotland at July's general election, overtaking the Conservatives in 25 seats, despite virtually no campaigning or party infrastructure there.

Last month, in a flurry of council byelections in Aberdeenshire and Glasgow, Reform gained between 12% and 25% of first preferences, while recent polling has put the party at about 10%.

Under Holyrood's proportional voting system, this could translate into up to 12 MSPs at the next Scottish parliament elections.

According to Prof Sir John Curtice, Britain's most trusted elections guru, Reform's momentum is "fundamental" to the next Holyrood election, whether that takes place in 2026 as planned or sooner.

There has been speculation this may happen if the SNP minority government struggles to pass an unpopular cuts budget.

This story is from the December 02, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 02, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE GUARDIANView All
White House Rushes Weapons To Ukraine Before Trump Takeover
The Guardian

White House Rushes Weapons To Ukraine Before Trump Takeover

The Biden administration is hurrying military equipment to Ukraine in a last-ditch effort to shore up the country's defenses against the Russian invasion before Donald Trump assumes the US presidency in January.

time-read
1 min  |
December 04, 2024
Poorest Countries Struggle To Pay Record Debt Costs After Rates Soar
The Guardian

Poorest Countries Struggle To Pay Record Debt Costs After Rates Soar

Developing countries spent a record $1.4tn (£1.1tn) in debt payments to foreign lenders in 2023 as soaring interest rates pushed the cost of financing loans to a 20-year high, the World Bank's latest International Debt Report shows.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 04, 2024
'I was never cool' Guardiola denies his six-finger sign shows he is losing grip
The Guardian

'I was never cool' Guardiola denies his six-finger sign shows he is losing grip

Pep Guardiola has denied that raising six fingers during Manchester City's defeat at Liverpool on Sunday shows he is losing his cool in the manner José Mourinho did when showing three digits during his time in charge of Manchester United.

time-read
1 min  |
December 04, 2024
Amorim gives United stark warning of 'tough times'
The Guardian

Amorim gives United stark warning of 'tough times'

Ruben Amorim has warned his Manchester United players \"the storm will come,\" and there will be difficult times ahead despite a promising start to his tenure, as his team prepare to face Arsenal.

time-read
1 min  |
December 04, 2024
The Guardian

Ødegaard the inspiration for Arsenal's uplift, admits Arteta

Mikel Arteta believes Martin Ødegaard's influence has been instrumental in Arsenal's return to form as they attempt to haul back Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

time-read
1 min  |
December 04, 2024
Clinical Mateta proves the difference to ease pressure for Palace
The Guardian

Clinical Mateta proves the difference to ease pressure for Palace

Perhaps the alarm bells can ring a little less loudly for Crystal Palace.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 04, 2024
Daka decks the halls to give Van Nistelrooy opening win
The Guardian

Daka decks the halls to give Van Nistelrooy opening win

As one manager celebrated his first game in charge, another may have endured his last. Ruud Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a fortuitous but hard-earned victory as he could luxuriate in seeing Leicester move four points clear of the relegation zone but Julen Lopetegui must be fearing for the worst.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 04, 2024
Guéhi could be hit by FA charge over message on armband
The Guardian

Guéhi could be hit by FA charge over message on armband

Marc Guéhi is likely to face punishment from the Football Association after the Crystal Palace captain wrote \"Jesus loves you\" on his rainbow armband in the game against Ipswich.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 04, 2024
The Guardian

Slot warns his Liverpool team not to rest on their laurels

Arne Slot believes Liverpool's imperious form has made them a bigger target for Premier League rivals and that trips to Newcastle and Everton could be more problematic than the statement wins against Real Madrid and Manchester City.

time-read
1 min  |
December 04, 2024
Scotland out in the cold after playoff defeat
The Guardian

Scotland out in the cold after playoff defeat

Scotland face a bleak winter after their hopes of qualification for the European Championship in Switzerland next summer were extinguished in a frozen Helsinki.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 04, 2024