Holyrood vote count delayed in shake-up

ELECTION bosses in Scotland have confirmed a huge change to the procedure ahead of next year's Holyrood poll in a major blow for traditionalists.

- By Douglas Dickie

Votes in UK elections are usually counted overnight, as soon as polls close on the day, meaning a result in the early hours of the morning, such as with the general election last year.

But the Electoral Management Board for Scotland has said the practice will be scrapped with votes now counted the day after.

It means the result of the 2026 election will not be known until later on May 8.