Scottish National Party

Also Known As

Pàrtaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba

Leader

Alex Salmond MSP MP

Founded

1934

Ideology

Scottish Independence, Social Democracy

Background

The Scottish National Party (SNP) was formed in 1934 from the merger of the National Party of Scotland and the Scottish Party, and won its first parliamentary seat in 1945.

It is a centre-left party, which campaigns for an independent Scotland, with additional commitments to the eradication of poverty, redistribution of wealth and unilateral nuclear disarmament.

After the 2007 elections, it became the largest party in the Scottish Parliament, with 47 seats. However, due to its pro-Scottish Independence policy, it failed to gain the support of Scottish Labour, the Liberal Democrats or the Conservatives and was unable to form a majority government.

The party also holds 7 seats in the House of Commons and 2 in the European Parliament.