1) are the Tories continuing their advance in Labour’s northern and midlands redoubts? 2) if so, how much of that is a continuation of 2019 and how much can be attributed to the vaccine effect? Ie how much is structural/transitory?
3) Just how strong is the pro-independence contingent in Holyrood?
Am off almost certainly to sit awake in a darkened room for a few hours but I’ll be back on air on the BBC News channel from 0330ish. Then Breakfast from 0600. Join us! #Elections2021
Looking forward to Newsnight/Breakfast jet lag
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SNP missed out on an outright majority by a single seat. Nonetheless clear (and biggest) majority for independence across the Parliament in the body's history.
The fact that the SNP can even get close to 65 (in successive elections) is a pretty remarkable feat
Given the grumblings about Douglas Ross and the Tory campaign, matching Davidson's 2016 performance is something they'll be v pleased with
Labour have gone backwards marginally but they're pleased with how Sarwar has gone down during the campaign and think they have something to build on
The striking thing, as I've said before is how static the Scottish political situation is, almost in aspic
Nicola Sturgeon: "I've said all along that a majority is a long shot. But I'm thrilled with our results."
Sturgeon: "By any standards this is an historic achievement...the SNP has won this election emphatically...I intend to get back to work to deliver on *all* of that which we put before the Scottish people."
Sturgeon: "It looks as if it is beyond any doubt that there will a pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament. By any normal standard of democracy that majority should have its commitment made to the people of Scotland honoured."
NEW: @AndyBurnhamGM is re-elected as Mayor of Greater Manchester with 67% of the vote on first preferences. Up 4 points on 4 years ago.
67% of the vote in a conurbation the size of Greater Manchester is impressive.
Burnham: "This vote sends a clear message to all Westminster parties. People are buying into English devolution. They are telling you to do more of it, not less."