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  1. Politics
  2. Scotland
14 April 2021

Why SNP “hegemony” presents an opportunity for an “insurgent” opposition in Scotland

Blair McDougall on the impact of a 14 year SNP incumbency

The Scottish parliamentary elections on 6 May could be pivotal for the future of the United Kingdom. The New Statesman podcast is releasing four special episodes in the lead-up to the Holyrood vote.

Chris Deerin, the New Statesman‘s Scotland Editor, will host the episodes. He’ll be joined by some familiar voices from the New Statesman team, as well as guests from the world of Scottish politics.

In this episode Chris speaks to the political strategist Blair McDougall who led the Better Together campaign, which successfully saw off Scottish independence at the 2014 referendum  about how the SNP’s 14-year incumbency presents an opportunity for an “insurgent” opposition to make gains.

Chris also dissects the results of the STV leaders’ debate with the polling expert Ben Walker.

You can listen to the New Statesman Podcast on all major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Acast, Stitcher, YouTube and more. Subscribe to receive a new episode automatically every Tuesday and Friday.

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Further reading

Stay up to date with the latest polling using the New Statesman‘s Scottish independence poll tracker.

Chris Deerin argues that, independent or not, Scotland must get over its fear of business. He also interviewed the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar on why “he’s a proud socialist” and what Nicola Sturgeon got right.

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Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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