News
October 02, 2025
Curitce: Scottish voters are blaming Labour for NHS — even though it's devolved
Polling expert John Curtice says Scottish voters are punishing Labour over NHS and economic woes. Meanwhile, SNP voters aren’t switching despite similar frustrations.
**Scottish Voters Blaming Labour for NHS Woes, Despite Devolved Powers, Says Polling Expert**
Scottish voters are increasingly holding the Labour party accountable for the perceived failings of the National Health Service (NHS) and broader economic difficulties, even though healthcare is a devolved matter and primarily the responsibility of the Scottish government, according to renowned polling expert Professor John Curtice. This surprising trend highlights a potential disconnect between public perception and the actual distribution of political power in Scotland.
Curtice, a leading authority on public opinion and elections, made the observation following recent polling data that revealed a growing dissatisfaction among Scottish voters regarding the performance of the NHS. Despite healthcare being managed by the Scottish National Party (SNP) government in Holyrood, the blame seems to be disproportionately landing on the shoulders of the Labour party, which currently serves as the main opposition party in Scotland.
The findings suggest that Labour is facing a considerable challenge in convincing voters that they are not directly responsible for the current state of the NHS. This misattribution of responsibility could be stemming from a general frustration with the overall political landscape and a lack of clarity regarding the specific powers and responsibilities of the Scottish and UK governments.
While Labour is facing the brunt of voter dissatisfaction, the SNP, which has been in power in Scotland for many years, appears to be weathering the storm. Curtice noted that SNP voters, despite sharing similar frustrations regarding the NHS and the economy, are not showing a significant inclination to switch their allegiance. This could be attributed to a strong sense of national identity and loyalty towards the SNP, or perhaps a belief that the party is best placed to address the challenges facing Scotland, even if progress has been slower than desired.
The implications of Curtice's analysis are significant for the future of Scottish politics. Labour needs to effectively communicate its policy positions and distance itself from the perceived failures of the NHS, while simultaneously holding the SNP government accountable. The SNP, on the other hand, needs to acknowledge and address the concerns of voters regarding healthcare and the economy to maintain its support base and prevent potential defections in future elections. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Labour can successfully navigate this challenging political terrain and regain the trust of Scottish voters.
Scottish voters are increasingly holding the Labour party accountable for the perceived failings of the National Health Service (NHS) and broader economic difficulties, even though healthcare is a devolved matter and primarily the responsibility of the Scottish government, according to renowned polling expert Professor John Curtice. This surprising trend highlights a potential disconnect between public perception and the actual distribution of political power in Scotland.
Curtice, a leading authority on public opinion and elections, made the observation following recent polling data that revealed a growing dissatisfaction among Scottish voters regarding the performance of the NHS. Despite healthcare being managed by the Scottish National Party (SNP) government in Holyrood, the blame seems to be disproportionately landing on the shoulders of the Labour party, which currently serves as the main opposition party in Scotland.
The findings suggest that Labour is facing a considerable challenge in convincing voters that they are not directly responsible for the current state of the NHS. This misattribution of responsibility could be stemming from a general frustration with the overall political landscape and a lack of clarity regarding the specific powers and responsibilities of the Scottish and UK governments.
While Labour is facing the brunt of voter dissatisfaction, the SNP, which has been in power in Scotland for many years, appears to be weathering the storm. Curtice noted that SNP voters, despite sharing similar frustrations regarding the NHS and the economy, are not showing a significant inclination to switch their allegiance. This could be attributed to a strong sense of national identity and loyalty towards the SNP, or perhaps a belief that the party is best placed to address the challenges facing Scotland, even if progress has been slower than desired.
The implications of Curtice's analysis are significant for the future of Scottish politics. Labour needs to effectively communicate its policy positions and distance itself from the perceived failures of the NHS, while simultaneously holding the SNP government accountable. The SNP, on the other hand, needs to acknowledge and address the concerns of voters regarding healthcare and the economy to maintain its support base and prevent potential defections in future elections. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Labour can successfully navigate this challenging political terrain and regain the trust of Scottish voters.
Category:
Politics