Here is a review of elections north of the border, which returned the SNP to power earlier last month and how the number of minority representatives went up.
You wait over two decades for a female ethnic minority member to be elected to the Scottish Parliament, then two come along at once!
The SNP’s Kaukab Stewart (Pakistani Muslim) became the first woman of colour to enter Holyrood, followed shortly by the first (Indian Sikh) in Pam Gosal of the Conservatives.
They were not the only ones to make history. Dr Sandesh Gulhane and Foysol Choudhury became the first Indian and Bangladeshi origin males in parliament representing the Conservatives and Labour respectively.
The total number of minority ethnic MSPs has tripled from two to six. Many commentators believe such an increase better reflects Scotland in 2021. Such diversity was further reflected as numerous MSPs took their oaths in various languages including Punjabi and Urdu.
The SNP secured a staggering fourth term in power, falling short of a majority by only one seat. The party’s leadership and supporters will intensify their calls for a second independence referendum. However Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, insists he will not grant the necessary powers for another vote to take place.
During the election, much of the attention was focused on the Glasgow Southside constituency. The incumbent, Nicola Sturgeon, being challenged by her opposite number from Labour, Anas Sarwar.
As she visited a polling station the SNP leader was confronted by the former deputy leader of Britain’s First, who accused her of “flooding the area with immigrants”. Ms Sturgeon labelled Jayda Fransen a “racist and a fascist.” Less than 50 people voted for Fransen.
Moreover, surrounded by members of the Scottish Asians For Independence and the SNP BAME Network, Ms Sturgeon was photographed campaigning in Pollokshields and Govanhill, two areas that are home to various ethnic communities. She was photographed at various places of worship. Some observers on social media remarked at the “easy access” she had to mosques a “luxury not afforded” to many Muslim women in her constituency.
Despite Anas Sarwar’s high approval ratings, Labour failed to dislodge the Conservatives as the official opposition. Nevertheless the 38-year-old told various media outlets that his party is “back on the pitch” and voters are “proud” to vote for them again. He did come in for criticism for not commentating on the decision of the UK Labour leader, Keir Starmer, to cancel an appearance at a virtual Ramadan event.
Part of the election campaign fell during Ramadan. In the Pollok constituency, Humza Yousaf saw off Labour rival Dr Zubir Ahmed. On polling day Yousaf tweeted that “we may be political opponents but broke fast together”.
At the election count in Glasgow Yousaf was confronted by members of the Liberal Party (no link to Liberal Democrats) and questioned regarding the treatment of women in Pakistan. As part of a cabinet reshuffle Yousaf has been appointed as Health Secretary.
Elsewhere Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said on BBC Radio Scotland that increasing diverse representation in his party was a “priority” for him. Meanwhile former SNP leader Alex Salmond’s new party, ALBA, failed to secure a single seat. Many Asian members and supporters of the SNP switched to his new venture. It’s a decision some suspect they will be regretting.
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