In the National today, the above:

SNP leaders are facing a backlash from their own members after allowing an anti-abortion group to host a fringe event at the party conference. Women for Independence (WFI) have organised a petition calling on the SNP leadership to step in to cancel the SPUC event. It is understood that, within two hours of launching, the WFI campaign had garnered support from more than 20 SNP branches, affiliates, and elected members.

A petition? Is that what a ‘backlash’ looks like?

Surely a petition about one conference fringe event is not much. Doesn’t the word ‘fringe’ tell you something?

Here’s how I imagine a backlash within a political party:

• Primary challenges or attempts to oust incumbents/leadership.
• Resignations, public rebukes, or floor rebellions (e.g., members voting against the party line).
• Defections or “soft” exits—elected officials or influential figures distancing themselves, endorsing rivals, or forming splinter groups.
• Donor pullback or activist mobilization against the leadership (petitions, convention fights, local party takeovers).

Do we expect any of the above?

Of course we don’t and the National knows that full well.

Might the members panic and then trigger a backlash after finding out that electorate cares…a lot?

In September 2023, YouGov found that 89% of Scotland think abortion should be allowed, fewer only than in Wales and the South at 92% and 91%. https://yougov.com/en-gb/articles/47568-where-does-the-british-public-stand-on-abortion-in-2023

By April 2026, support had risen to 92% and opposition had fallen to 4% https://yougov.com/en-gb/trackers/should-women-have-the-right-to-an-abortion?crossBreak=scotland

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