Elections 2026 – looking back and looking forward

The Scottish Fabians, the University of Edinburgh Business School and True North Advisors invite you to join for an afternoon and evening of reflection and analysis of the results of the May 2026 elections in Scotland, England and Wales and what they mean, with a host of political leaders, new MSPs, business figures and commentators.

Four panel sessions will hear from the top of the Scottish Labour campaign, a mixture of new and old MSPs on the election and the new session of the Scottish Parliament, a view from outside the bubble on the implications for business and the economy, reflections on the English local and Welsh election results and what next for Prime Minister Starmer and the UK Government.

Programme:

13:30-14:00 - Registration and refreshments

14:00-14:15 - Welcome and introductions

Professor Gavin Jack, Dean University of Edinburgh Business School

Catriona (Cat) Headley, co-chair, Scottish Fabians

Andrew Liddle, Head of Government Relations, True North Advisors

14:15-15:00 - Panel One: The Media – Perspectives from journalists and

commentators on the recent Scottish election campaign.

• John Boothman, Political Correspondent, The Times

• Hannah Brown, Political Correspondent, The Herald Scotland

• Catriona (Cat) Headley, co-chair, Scottish Fabians

• Catriona Stewart Reporter, broadcaster and columnist, The Scotsman

Chaired by Andrew Liddle, Head of Government Relations, True North Advisors

15:15-16:15 Panel Two: Holyrood politicians will reflect on the campaign, result and the parliamentary session ahead.

• Sarah Boyack, former MSP and Minister

• Mark Diffley, Founder and Director, Diffley Partnership

• David Green MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross (Constituency)

• Paul Sweeney MSP for Glasgow (Region)

• Jenny Young MSP for Central Scot and Lothians West (Region)

Chaired by Catriona Stewart, Reporter, broadcaster and columnist,

The Scotsman

16:15-16:45 - Refreshments

16:45-17:45 - Panel Three: From outside the bubble: The Business Panel

Leading business and policy voices examine the implications of the Scottish

election for business and the economy.

• Lord William Haughey, Chair, City Facilities Management Holdings Ltd

• Nicola MacLeod, General Counsel and Director of Corporate Affairs,

D2Zero

• Alison Payne, Research Director, Enlighten Scotland

Chaired by Gavin Jack, Dean, University of Edinburgh Business School

18:00-19:00 - Panel Four: Westminster Parliamentarians reflect on the English local and

Welsh election results and the implications for Sir Keir Starmer and the UK

Government.

• Baroness Dr Sara Hyde, Chair of UK Fabians

• Mark Diffley, Founder and Director, Diffley Partnership

• Chris Murray MP, Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

• Melanie Ward MP, Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy

Chaired by Chris Carter, Chair in Strategy & Organisation, University of

Edinburgh Business School.

19:00-20:30 - Evening reception generously sponsored by True North Advisors.