Beware of Short Memories

In the aftermath of significant political events, public memory tends to fade quickly, often overlooking crucial shifts in voter sentiment. The 2015 electoral landscape in Scotland saw traditional parties, including Labour and the Lib Dems, suffer severe losses, leaving them with only one MP each amidst a dramatic political shift. Key factors that influenced voter decisions included perceptions of party leadership and alliances; specifically, fears surrounding Ed Miliband's potential collaboration with Scottish nationalists, which deterred voters from supporting the Lib Dems. Additionally, the impact of coalition policies, particularly on tuition fees and austerity, while acknowledged, may be overstated compared to the direct concerns voters expressed about leadership dynamics and electoral risks.