The Rise of the SNP: Why Scotland Fell in Love with Its Ruling Party

Scotland's Nationalist Party (SNP) has experienced a dramatic rise to become the ruling party of Scotland. In this article, we will explore the factors behind this transformation and the reasons why the SNP has grown in popularity.

Formation and Early Successes

The SNP was formed in 1934 through the amalgamation of the Scottish Party and the National Party of Scotland, both of which were Home Rule parties. Their first Member of Parliament (MP), Winnie Ewing, won the Hamilton by-election in 1967. Since then, the SNP has experienced significant growth, becoming the largest political party in Scotland and the third largest party at Westminster.

Factors Contributing to SNP's Growth

Several factors have contributed to the SNP's rise to prominence. One of the primary reasons is the widespread detestation towards the Conservative Party and disaffection towards the Labour Party. However, there is also a growing self-confidence in Scotland's ability to handle its own affairs.

Additionally, the economic policies of Margaret Thatcher played a significant role. In the 1980s, Thatcher's policies rewarded investment in risky ventures, often at the expense of traditional sectors such as the coal and manufacturing industries. This created a sense of resentment and alienation among the working class, who felt that the traditional values of hard work and fair pay were being undermined.

The Impact of Thatcher's Policies

Thatcher's policies did not sit well with the majority of Scots. The seeds of discontent were sown, leading to a shift in public opinion away from the Conservative Party. Both the Labour Party and the SNP benefited from the collapse in Conservative support in Scotland. By 2010, the SNP had become the most significant opposition party in Scotland, challenging the dominance of the Labour and Conservative parties.

The 2010 general election saw a stark realignment of Scottish politics. Scotland voted Labour and SNP, but the Conservative Party retained power at Westminster. Over the following decade, the Conservative Party's policies continued to shift further from the values and morals of most Scots. This led to a decline in the Conservative vote and a rise in support for the SNP. By 2019, the SNP had returned 48 MPs to Westminster, surpassing the Conservative Party and Labour combined.

The Role of Boris Johnson and Brexit

Boris Johnson's tenure as Prime Minister further discredited the Conservative Party in Scotland. His bellicose and self-interested demeanor, coupled with his lack of respect for anyone not part of the establishment, deeply resonated with the Scottish people. The leader of the Scottish Conservatives even advised Johnson not to campaign in Scotland, stating that it would jeopardize their prospects.

The Conservative Party's luck in Scotland has now run out. They can only command a quarter of the votes in the north of the border, a similar amount to Labour. In contrast, the SNP returned 48 MPs to Westminster in the 2019 election with 45% support. Meanwhile, the Conservatives lost half of their seats in Scotland, and Labour lost all but one of its seats in Scotland.

The Role of the EU Referendum

The 2016 EU referendum was a pivotal moment in the SNP's rise. While the UK as a whole voted to leave the European Union (EU), Scotland overwhelmingly voted to remain. This was a significant factor in the tens of thousands of people joining the SNP, including the author of this article. The majority of Scots feel that their interests and aspirations were not represented by the Leave campaign, and they found a voice in the SNP.

The rise of the SNP represents more than just a protest against failed policies; it is a recognition that Scotland wants to pursue a different path. The future of the Union between England and Scotland remains uncertain, as the SNP's success highlights the deep divisions between the two nations.

Key Points:

The SNP's rise can be attributed to detestation towards the Conservative Party and disaffection towards the Labour Party. Economic policies under Margaret Thatcher created a sense of resentment among Scots. The SNP capitalized on the decline in Conservative support, leading to a growth in their political influence. Boris Johnson's tenure further alienated the Conservative Party in Scotland. The 2016 EU referendum was a catalyst for increased support for the SNP.

In conclusion, the SNP's rise to prominence in Scottish politics is a result of a complex interplay of factors, including economic policies, political disaffection, and the EU referendum. The success of the SNP represents a desire for Scotland to chart its own course and pursue policies that align with the values and aspirations of its people.