Holyrood 1998

The Holyrood election of 1998 was the second devolved election in Scotland and took place in May of that year, the last valid month that the devolved election could be called. The Lib-Lab and SNP coalition had seen Tavish Scott become First Minister (Iain Gray had failed to be elected in 1994, so could not take the role as First Minister). The 'One Banner' Lib-Lab alliance would not be replicated at either the Holyrood election or the general election of 1997, despite speculation that an electoral pact between the parties would lead to landslide victory for central politics. The leaders were as follows: Tavish Scott (Liberal Democrats), Carol Mochan (Labour), David Petrie (Conservatives), Alex Salmond (SNP) and Robin Harper (Greens).

Debates
Just one debates was broadcast on BBC Scotland at the 1998 Holyrood election, one less than that for the 1994 Holyrood election. The debate was held in the highly marginal Orkney Islands, which had a majority of 101. Instant polling from the first debate suggested that Carol Mochan, the new Labour leader and first female leader in Holyrood, won the debate, followed by Robin Harper. Tavish Scott, who had not even won a Holyrood seat, was taken on by Petrie and Harper, mainly over the decisions made by his party in government. Mochan did not suffer critisim over the government, however, as she had only just been elected leader of the Labour party and therefore played no part in the coalition.

Polling
Constituency polling for the election showed Labour leading with roughly 37% (+3%), the Tories at 24% (-5%), the SNP at 30% (-4%) and the Lib Dems at 6% (+6%). Regional polling showed Labour at 34% (-2%), the Tories at 11% (-5%), the SNP at 36% (nc), the Greens at 7% (+2%) and the Lib Dems at 5% (+5%). These polls removed others/don't knows. The Lib Dems, discovering they were far behind in polling, wheeled out party grandees to help the campaign.

Final polling
Final constituency polling of the campaign saw Labour at around 36% (-1%), the Tories at 21% (-3%), the SNP at 31% (+1%) and the Lib Dems at 6% (nc). The final regional polling put Labour at 35% (+1%), the Tories at 8% (-3%), the SNP at 35% (-1%), the Greens at 9% (+2%) and the Lib Dems at 6% (+1%).

Exit Poll
BBC Scotland released this exit poll. It suggested that the night would be Labour as the largest party, although, once again, short of an overall majority. If accurate, the Labour party would out preform the Lib-Lab pact. The Greens would preform very well, if accurate. The exit poll would elect Scott, Mochan, Petrie, Salmond and Harper.

Final results
Final results gave...