Voters across Scotland and Wales are preparing to head to the polls in 2026 in elections that will determine the composition of their devolved legislatures and shape policy on key issues including healthcare, housing, education, and the economy.
The elections will choose all members of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Senedd, with political parties competing to secure mandates to govern or influence policymaking over the coming parliamentary term.
Scotland Election
The Scottish Parliament election will see all parliamentary seats contested under the Additional Member System, a form of proportional representation designed to balance constituency representation with regional party lists.
The election comes at a significant moment for Scottish politics, with debates continuing over public services, economic growth, energy policy, taxation, and Scotland’s constitutional future.
The Scottish National Party (SNP), which has led the Scottish Government for much of the past two decades, will seek to retain its position, while opposition parties including Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and the Scottish Greens will attempt to expand their representation.
The outcome will determine who forms the next Scottish Government and influences policy areas that are devolved from Westminster, including health, education, transport, and justice.
Wales Senedd Election
The 2026 election will mark a historic change for Wales as the Senedd expands from 60 to 96 members under electoral reforms approved by the Welsh Parliament.
The increase in representation is intended to strengthen legislative scrutiny and reflect the growing responsibilities of devolved government in Wales.
The election will be conducted using a new proportional electoral system, replacing the previous mixed-member arrangement. Political parties are expected to campaign on issues including the National Health Service, housing availability, economic development, infrastructure investment, and environmental policy.
The Welsh Labour Party, which has led the Welsh Government since devolution began in 1999, will seek to maintain its position, while Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and other parties will compete for greater representation.
Issues Voters Face
Across both Scotland and Wales, the cost of living is expected to remain a major concern for many voters. Rising household expenses, public sector funding, and economic growth continue to dominate political debate.
Healthcare is also likely to feature prominently, with parties proposing different approaches to improving NHS services, reducing waiting times, and addressing workforce shortages.
Housing policy remains another significant issue as governments face pressure to increase the supply of affordable homes while supporting sustainable development and local infrastructure.
Education, transport, and climate policy are also expected to play important roles during the campaign period.
National Politics and Regional Elections
Although the elections focus on devolved governments, national political developments often influence voter sentiment. The performance and popularity of UK-wide party leadership can affect regional campaigns, while local issues and devolved responsibilities frequently shape electoral outcomes.
Because Scotland and Wales have authority over many domestic policy areas, the elections will directly influence decisions on public services, local investment, and long-term regional development.
Why the Elections Matter
The 2026 elections represent an important democratic milestone for both nations, determining the composition of their legislatures and the governments responsible for many aspects of everyday life.
As campaigning intensifies, parties will seek to persuade voters with competing visions for economic management, public services, and the future direction of devolved government, making the elections among the most significant political events in Scotland and Wales during the parliamentary cycle.
