Panelbase poll shows SNP 8 points ahead of Labour

The SNP still enjoys a commanding lead over opposition parties at Holyrood, new research today shows.

The Scottish Parliament. Picture: Jane Barlow

This last poll of 2013 has the Nationalists eight points ahead of Labour in the first-past-the-post constituency vote on 40 points, with Johann Lamont’s party on 32%.

The lead is even greater in the regional list voting intentions with the SNP on 40% and Labour on 31%. It comes despite support for a Yes vote lagging well behind those planning to vote No in the referendum next September.

The SNP’s minister for local government Derek Mackay said: “For the SNP to enjoy such a substantial lead - after more than six-and-a-half years into government - is a remarkable achievement by any standard.

“The SNP continue to move Scotland forward – delivering effective, competent government in the face of Westminster cuts. And this poll reinforces a previous key finding - that people trust the Scottish Government rather than Westminster to take decisions for Scotland by a margin of nearly four-to-one.

“We are moving into a crucial year in 2014 - with the all-important referendum in September, but also a by-election in January and the European election in May - and these figures demonstrate that the SNP are in tip-top condition and excellent heart.”

The Panelbase poll was conducted among 1,012 adults in Scotland between 13-20 December.

The results are:

Scottish Parliament constituency vote:

SNP: 40%

Labour: 32%

Conservative: 15%

Lib Dem: 5%

Other: 8%

Regional List vote:

SNP: 40%

Labour: 31%

Conservative: 14%

Lib Dem: 5%

Green: 5%

Other: 5%