An update from our Political Editor, Michael Blackley…

One thing many people across the parties seem to be able to unite on is that this should be the end of holding election counts the day after the vote.

Overnight counting ended because of Covid-19 in 2021 and they opted to stick with daytime counting this year – leaving politicians and the public facing a long and agonising wait for some results.

Andrew Bowie, the Tory Shadow Scottish Secretary, said: ‘Whatever the result, I’ve decided that I’m starting the campaign for overnight counting for Scottish elections. Like we did until 2016. This waiting is interminable.

‘Done and dusted by breakfast… much better.’

His suggestion won support from Labour’s Energy Minister Michael Shanks on social media. He said: ‘Some cross-party consensus on this one Andrew! Let me know where to sign up.’

SNP MSP Kevin Stewart said: ‘Not often I agree with Andrew, but on this point he is 100% right.’