Scottish National Party in United Kingdom

Scottish National Party (SNP) Meaning in Politics

Description of Scottish National Party (SNP) published by Mona Chalabi: Formed in 1934 out of a formal merger between the National Party of Scotland (formed in 1928) and the Scottish Party (formed in 1932), the SNP was initially plagued by internal disputes while pursuing its goal of making Scotland an independent state. The left-of-center party is represented by a logo that combines the Saltire (Scotland’s flag) and the thistle (Scotland’s flower) — the sign is nicknamed “the clootie dumpling,” which is also a national dish.

After 45 percent of Scottish voters said in September that they wanted independence, 2015 looks like it will herald the largest success in SNP history. For the past 40 years, the party hasn’t managed to gain more than six seats, but in this election, it is expected to wipe out Labour support in Scotland and is now projected to win most of the 59 seats there. Although the party isn’t running for election anywhere outside of Scotland, those historic results would be felt in Westminster — with the party leapfrogging the Liberal Democrats to become Britain’s third-largest.

It’s not yet clear what the SNP would do with its newfound power in British politics. Labour has ruled out a formal coalition with the SNP, and the SNP has ruled out a formal coalition with the Conservatives. Alex Salmond, who led the party for 20 years before 2014, said recently that the SNP would vote against the Conservatives if they attempted to form a minority government, effectively ousting them from power.