Election Guide 1: setting the scene

 

 

After May 7^th, we will have a new Parliament.

 

In the run-up to the Election, we will be giving members information which may help them place their cross on the ballot paper.

 

Our Election Guides will contain a mix of interviews and analysis.

 

Politicians seeking election or re-election can make a direct ‘pitch’ to our members, outlining how they would support our sector.

 

If you are a prospective MSP and would like to do this, email info@scottishgamekeepers.co.uk

 

We will also look at past records and policies so members can understand where candidates stand on key issues.

 

 

What happened last time and why was it important?

 

After the 2021 Election, the Parliament looked like this (below).

 

 

The SNP ended up one seat short of a majority. They had to seek alliances to pass laws.

 

Despite a plea by the SGA and others at the time *, Nicola Sturgeon decided to sign a formal alliance with the Greens in August 2021.

 

• https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/latest-news/2021/june/snpgreen-jobs-fears-raised-in-cross.php

 

The Greens were given 2 Ministerial positions, including a Biodiversity role for Lorna Slater.

 

The agreement was ended on 25^th April 2024 but not before it had sparked considerable change in our sector.

 

Snaring was lost (damaging for predator management and conservation) and the industry moved relentlessly onwards towards greater regulation (see SGA reaction to snaring ban: 

https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/latest-news/2023/2023-11-09-sga-reaction-to-loss-of-snaring-in-scotland.php )

 

This was a period in which Scottish Government was viewed by the membership as moving away from land workers; something reflected in the volume of correspondence received by our office.

 

The appointment of Jim Fairlie as Minister by Humza Yousaf helped to repair strained relations with the countryside, following the end of the Bute House agreement.

 

All parties will be looking to pick up votes in rural Scotland on May 7^th.

 

What about this time?

 

 

This will be a much changed Parliament.

 

Around 40 MSPs, who previously held seats, are not standing.

 

There is also the ‘unknown’ of the Reform party which did not contest seats in 2021.

 

If current polls are to be believed, the SNP are on course to win but the party may fall short of an overall majority, like in 2021.

 

If this comes to pass, they will again have to build alliances to pass laws.

 

Next time… some responses from candidates to our SGA pre-election Survey