Even amongst those who are currently intending to vote Labour 21 per cent think that the SNP would be better at speaking up for Scotland at Westminster, a view shared by 58 per cent of respondents. The poll also shows that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has a net satisfaction rating of +42 per cent – while Labour’s Jim Murphy’s ratings stand at -10 per cent. Among those who voted Labour in 2010, 36 per cent believe Mr Murphy is doing a bad job.
The YouGov poll in the Times shows the following:
Scottish National Party 48% (+1)
Scottish Labour party 27%
Scottish Conservatives 15% (-1)
Scottish Liberal Democrats 4% (+1)
Other 6% (-1)
When asked how Nicola Sturgeon as performing as First Minister, 64 per cent of people said 'well' while only 14 per cent said 'badly'.
When asked how Jim Murphy is performing as Labour leader, 33 per cent said 'well' and 43 per cent said 'badly'
Commenting, SNP Westminster Leader and Campaign Director Angus Robertson MP said: "The record levels of support for the SNP reflect the fact that we will always put the interests of the people of Scotland front and centre. But we are taking absolutely nothing for granted, and will work hard for every vote and seat in May. This poll will also be a blow for Jim Murphy as his ‘reverse honeymoon’ shows no signs of ending. On Trident, austerity and fracking, Jim Murphy has failed every major test of his leadership so far – and this poll shows that the people of Scotland simply aren’t impressed. In contrast, Nicola Sturgeon is considered to be doing a good job by a vast majority of people in Scotland."
Continuing Mr Robertson said: "Even a substantial number of people who are still intending to vote Labour realise that the SNP are the party who will stand up for Scotland’s interests – despite a change of management, it’s clear that Scottish Labour is still viewed as nothing more than a ‘branch office’ of London. In recent weeks, we have seen Labour MPs voting with the Tories for £30 billion more austerity cuts, voting with the Tories to spend £100 billion on a new generation of Trident nuclear weapons, and abstaining on a key vote for a fracking moratorium. That is why we need the real influence for Scotland that only a strong team of SNP MPs can deliver – to be a real force for change."
"The Westminster establishment are scared stiff, because a strong team of SNP MPs holding the balance of power means that Scotland's interests can’t be ignored. The Tories have been rejected in election after election in Scotland, and the SNP would never help them into power. By electing SNP MPs, the people of Scotland can vote to get rid of the Tories, and have a powerful, progressive voice to protect and promote Scottish interests - a message we will be hammering home from now until May." Angus Robertson added.
