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Very helpful Paul!

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Hi. Intersting piece. Because Holyrood is a fixed term Parliament, am I right in thinking that even if there was an early election, there would have to be another one in May 2026 anyway? That must affect the calculation - precipitating an extra election would be seen as a waste of money. What about introducing a land value tax? That would rase a bit of cash.

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You make an interesting point Jackie I hadn’t considered and one worth pursuing…

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Yes I’m not sure of the answer on the fixed term thing. Google is not much help.

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My understanding, such as it is from a quick perusal of the 1998 Scotland Act, is that if an "extraordinary" (ie, not already set) election takes place within six months of the fixed date of the next election, then the latter would not take place. (No point in electing an administration for six months. This isn't 1974.) So, in theory that might mean an early 2025 Scottish Parliament Election would not automatically cancel the requirement to hold the next election as "fixed" for 2026. However, post-Referendum, I think the Scotland Act 2016 gave the Parliament more powers over its own activities; that might include over the dates of future elections.

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