

That is a US versus UK difference! In UK English it is simply a synonym for a program or policy, whereas in US English it implies something negative, often underhanded!
For instance:
🇺🇸 The scammers were running a scheme to trick people.
🇺🇸 Some consider cryptocurrency to be a scheme where one sells, leaving others holding the bag.
🇬🇧 Paying into the national pension scheme ensures you’ll receive a payment upon retirement.
🇬🇧 The company has introduced a new scheme allowing employees to work from home.
Imagine running a campaign so terrible that you lose your own riding, then running off to a province on the other side of the country to weasel your way back in.