Don’t vote Reform to stop SNP, tactical voting guide tells unionists

If you want to keep the SNP out of government, don’t vote Reform, a unionist group has told voters.

Campaign body Scotland in Union has launched its latest election voting guide and will send thousands of leaflets to voters in key battlegrounds urging them to “use your vote for change”.

But according to the guide, backing Reform UK in the constituency contest is the wrong option for those seeking to block the SNP and the Greens – regardless of where they live.

It is advising voters to back Labour, the Conservatives or the Lib Dems instead.

Chairman Alastair Cameron said: “Our impartial advice encourages people to back candidates from established pro-UK parties with a track record in previous elections, to help keep the SNP and the nationalist Scottish Green Party out of power in Scotland.

“If we want change from nationalists and their divisive agenda, this is how we can get it.”

The move comes on the day Anas Sarwar launches Scottish Labour’s manifesto, and as Reform UK’s Scottish leader, Malcolm Offord, leads efforts to achieve its first Scottish Parliament election wins.

The party has amassed a sizeable war chest and is standing in every constituency.

Polling suggests it could become the second or third largest party in Holyrood.

Cameron founded Scotland in Union after the independence referendum. The body was run by Pamela Nash from 2017 until her election as Labour MP for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke in 2024.

SNP leader John Swinney has suggested a second indyref could be held in 2028 if his party achieves a majority of seats.

The group, which has 37,000 registered supporters, says its tactical voting guide for the last general election “correctly identified the main challenger to the SNP in all 57 constituencies” and that its suggestions “do not constitute an endorsement of any candidate or party’s policies”.

Those using the guide are advised to vote for their preferred party on the list.

According to the guide, Labour is the party to choose in 47 constituencies, including Glasgow Cathcart and Pollok, where Anas Sarwar is standing.

A Conservative vote is recommended in 16 seats, including Eastwood where former leader Jackson Carlaw is running. A win for him there could mean current Tory head Russell Findlay loses his own election battle in the West Scotland region.

Backing the Lib Dems is recommended in 10 areas including Edinburgh North Western, where candidates include party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton.

Guidance is based on factors including opinion polls, demographic data, previous contests and “specific local knowledge”.

Cameron said it has been compiled for those whose priority is “to stop the SNP and elect MSPs who will focus on improving lives rather than another divisive referendum”.