SNP in ‘serious trouble’ across central belt of Scotland as by-election losses pile up

The Scottish National Party (SNP) is facing a crisis in the central belt of Scotland, with a string of by-election losses causing concern for the party’s future. A former SNP minister, Alex Neil, has raised alarm bells, warning that unless the SNP can regain support in central Scotland, they could be in trouble at the 2026 Holyrood election. The party suffered defeat in 15 consecutive council by-elections, including losses to Labour in Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Lanarkshire.

Neil emphasised the importance for the SNP to avoid further scandals, especially in light of the resignation of former leader Nicola Sturgeon and an ongoing police investigation into party finances. With the SNP’s failure to secure more than nine MPs in the recent UK general election, the party is under pressure to turn things around before the next Holyrood election.

Low voter turnout has been a concerning trend in recent by-elections, with just 12% of voters in North East Glasgow participating. Neil highlighted the significance of these results, indicating a worrying pattern of declining support for the SNP in the central belt. He stressed that failure to reverse this trend could jeopardise the party’s chances of forming the next government in 2026, thus putting the independence agenda at risk.

The rise in support for Nigel Farage’s Reform party in the Glasgow by-elections has added another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Scotland. Neil expressed concerns about the implications of a significant number of Reform MSPs being elected in 2026, stating that it could be detrimental to Scotland’s interests.

As the SNP grapples with internal and external challenges, the pressure is mounting on the party leadership to deliver results and restore confidence among Scottish voters. With Labour making gains in recent by-elections and the Reform party gaining momentum, the SNP faces a crucial period leading up to the 2026 Holyrood election.

In conclusion, the SNP’s recent by-election losses in central Scotland signal a challenging road ahead for the party. To regain support and secure a strong position in the upcoming Holyrood election, the SNP leadership must address internal issues, deliver tangible results, and reconnect with voters in the central belt. The political landscape in Scotland is evolving, with potential implications for the independence movement and the broader political climate in the country.