New poll puts SNP 1% behind Lib Dems in UK

First Minister and leader of the SNP in waiting Nicola Sturgeon addresses supporters in Edinburgh. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

The poll, carried out by Ipsos MORI has support for the SNP at eight per cent among people in the whole of the UK, while the Liberal Democrats are at nine per cent.

The SNP has, in recent months, overtaken the Liberal Democrats’ membership numbers UK-wide, with membership of the party now standing at over 84,000.

Liberal Democrat membership is reportedly at 43,451.

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The SNP’s business convener Derek Mackay welcomed the new poll, described the results as ‘encouraging’.

He added: “These results show the SNP in a strong position ahead of next year’s General Election, but we are absolutely clear that there is no room for complacency, and there is a lot of hard work to be done over the coming weeks and months.

“This poll also shows that Labour support in Scotland is continuing to drift away – it’s clear Labour in Scotland are feeling the effects their decision to campaign shoulder to shoulder with the Tories in the No campaign.”

Mr Mackay said that the ‘collapse in Lib Dem support’ following the coalition should be a ‘warning’ for Labour, adding: “People in Scotland won’t be quick to forget or forgive a party willing to work hand-in-glove with a right wing Tory government engaged in a systematic attack on the poor.

“With membership now standing at more than 84,000 and with support continuing to grow, it’s clear that the people of Scotland trust the SNP to hold the Westminster parties to account on their Vow. If the UK parties fail to deliver, they will pay a heavy price at the ballot box.”

The poll shows support for the Conservative Party at 32 per cent; Labour support at 29 per cent and Ukip backing at 14 per cent.

The Green Party are on seven per cent, Plaid Cymru on 1 per cent, with ‘Other’ also at one per cent.

• For the poll, 1,011 adults aged 18+ were interviewed by Ipsos MORI throughout the UK via telephone interview between November 8-10.

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