Scottish politics has undergone a seismic shift but it’s not simply the bare fact of people moving towards the SNP.
That has been happening for years and became obvious when the party swept to a majority government at Holyrood in 2011.
The difference is the sheer volume. A 35% swing from Labour to SNP in Glenrothes. Take that in for a second. A 35% swing.
It used to be that the electorate, smarter and more switched on than some politicians give them credit for, changed its voting habits depending on the contest. So while people would be happy voting for the Nationalists at Holyrood, many would instinctively swap back to Labour for UK elections.
No longer, it would seem. And it is coming with massive swings in seats where Labour had taken its vote for granted for many, many years.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ueFpdUuDaxU%3Frel%3D0
Put it down to an increased confidence in sticking with the SNP, a backlash against Labour’s part in the Better Together campaign, a difference in leadership or any other reason, the political landscape north of the border is unlikely to ever be the same again.
Ironically, given Labour’s seeming failure to pick up enough seats to challenge David Cameron’s ability to march back into Downing Street, either leading a minority government or as part of a coalition, Nicola Sturgeon’s MPs won’t have the same level of influence over those in power as the party had originally hoped.
Could this cause issues down the line? It seems bizarre to be talking about potential problems as a victory parade is on the way.
However, what cause will the Conservatives have to pay any attention to the SNP if they command enough MPs to get their legislation through?
What good is a “strong voice for Scotland” if it shouts with little tangible effect?
Still, the Labour argument that voting SNP has allowed the Tories into power looks like being completely invalidated by the exit poll. Given the two parties’ combined total of MPs would still be fewer than their opponent’s, according to the survey, that simply holds no water.
Change is here. Is it here to stay?