The recent Scottish Parliament election saw voters reject the SNPs reckless independence plan. Once again denying them a majority and returning 31 Scottish Conservatives as the main unionist opposition. Although the balance of power at Holyrood has barely changed, its social make-up has been radically altered.
Parliament is now more diverse than ever, with five minority ethnic MSPs (up from two), 58 women (up from 45), and the first permanent wheelchair user. Several high-profile cabinet members stood down to make way for the fresh faces. They included former health secretary Jeane Freeman, constitution secretary Mike Russell and environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham. These resignations are unsurprising given the SNP’s shocking record in government. Over the past 14 years the party has failed to halt the drug death epidemic, narrow the attainment gap or tackle child poverty. We are in desperate need of the original ideas and perspectives that come with diversity. Hopefully, new members can provide them.
Minority ethnic conservatives made a significant contribution to this result. The co-founder of Scottish Conservative Friends of BAME (SCBAME), Pam Gosal, was elected on the West of Scotland regional list. And Dr Sandesh Gulhane won a seat through the Glasgow list. Together they are the first Indian heritage MSPs ever elected, and Pam became the first women of colour ever sworn in. Other BAME candidates including Haroun Malik and Adebayo Aibinu dedicated significant time and effort to the national campaign.
The question remains, where do we go from here? This election has been a major step in the right direction, yet more work is needed to ensure our democratic institutions mirror the people they represent. Groups like SCBAME will build on their recent achievement by continuing to promote minority ethnic members and supporters. And with local elections coming up in 2022, there are already more opportunities for BAME conservative candidates.
However, it is also vital to give credit where credit is due. All too often equality activists fail to acknowledge progress, simply moving onto the next issue as if nothing has changed. Of course, we must never rest on our laurels when it comes to ongoing issues like equality. Yet at the same time, failing to appreciate success can leave many feeling hopeless or even resentful. If the recent election has shown us anything, it is that change is possible and already happening in real-time.