Scottish Parliamentary Election, 2003

The polling date for the second Scottish Parliament election was held on 1st May, 2003. The results were characterised by the rise in support for parties outwith the "main four" and a decline in support for both the Labour Party and the Scottish National Party (SNP). Despite predictions of a collapse in their support the Tories vote held up well and they managed to win three constituencies, as opposed to none in the previous election.

Also, independent MSP, Dennis Canavan was joined by two other independents, Margo MacDonald and Jean Turner. Scottish Senior Citizens Unity Party leader John Swinburne was also elected.

The turnout was just under 50%.

National Vote

First Past the Post Results

Labour 659,879 votes (34.6%)/46 MSPs

SNP 449,476 votes (23.8%)/9 MSPs

Tory 312,598 votes (16.6%)/3 MSPs

Lib-Dems 286,150 votes (15.3%)/13 MSPs

SSP 117,709 votes (6.2%)/0 MSPs

Greens Did not contest (0.0%)/0 MSPs

Others 65,523 votes (3.4%)/2 MSPs

Total votes cast - 1,891,335

Additional Members System Results

Labour 561,379 votes (29.3%)/4 MSPs

SNP 399,659 votes (20.9%)/18 MSPs

Tory 296,929 votes (15.5%)/15 MSPs

Lib-Dems 225,774 votes (11.8%)/4 MSPs

SSP 132,138 votes (6.9%)/6 MSPs

Greens 128,026 votes (6.7%)/7 MSPs

Others 171,951 votes (8.9%)/2 MSPs

Total votes cast - 1,915,856

Scottish Parliamentary Representation

Labour - 50 MSPs (-6)
SNP - 27 MSPs (-8)
Tory - 18 MSPs (no change from '99)
Lib-Dem - 17 MSPs (no change from '99)
Green - 7 MSPs (+6)
SSP - 6 MSPs (+5)
Others - 4 MSPs (+3)

Party Leaders in 2003

Labour - Jack McConnell SNP - John Swinney Tory - David McLetchie Lib-Dem - Jim Wallace SSP - Tommy Sheridan

Scottish Parliamentary Election, 2003

National Vote

Further Reference