Labour lead SNP in Scottish election exit poll

The number of constituencies in Scotland has been reduced from 59 to 57 in this election due to boundary changes – affecting all but 10 seats north of the border.

There are a total of 650 seats across the UK.

The alterations are based on recommendations by an independent commission in each part of the UK and are designed to reflect population shifts.

This means it will not be possible to do a direct comparison between this year’s results and the previous election in 2019.

Instead, to measure gains and losses, “notional” results will be used.

These have been calculated using localised voting data to estimate what the result would have been in 2019 had the current consistency boundaries been in place.

Using notional results, the picture is largely similar to the original 2019 outcome – with the SNP on 48 seats, the Tories on six and Labour on one. The Lib Dems, however, have lost two seats according to the notional results – down from four to two.

For the uninitiated, the changes could make for some confusing reading when the results come in.

Take Rutherglen and Hamilton West, which was won by Labour from the SNP at a by-election last year.

Due to the boundary review, it lost about 10,000 constituents and is now called Rutherglen.

Under the notional results, it will officially be listed as an SNP defence, meaning if Labour win the seat tonight it would be registered as a “gain”.

It is expected to be one of the first seats to declare, around 01:30.

Read a full explanation here.