SNP ahead in poll as increasing support puts Reform second

The SNP is leading among voters ahead the Holyrood election while support for Reform UK increases and that for Scottish Labour drops, according to a poll.

The new survey from Ipsos Mori ahead of next May’s election gives the SNP a constituency vote share of 35%.

That is up by one percentage point from a previous poll in June – with SNP depute leader Keith Brown saying it shows the party is “well ahead” of its rivals.

The poll shows Reform UK’s share of the vote has risen, with 18% of Scots planning to use their constituency vote to back Nigel Farage’s party – up four points since June.

Scottish Labour’s constituency vote share has fallen to 16%, the poll found, which is down seven points since June.

On voting intentions for the regional list, the SNP leads on 28% with Labour on 18%, closely followed by Reform and the Scottish Greens both on 17%.

Lord Malcolm Offord, who defected from the Conservatives to Reform at the weekend, said: “This poll proves all the momentum is with Reform in Scotland. Labour is in reverse and the SNP is stuck in neutral. The voters want a new narrative to power forward a successful Scotland.

“Scotland needs reform, and Reform is coming to Scotland.”

But Mr Brown said: “This is an excellent poll which puts the SNP well ahead of the other parties while support for Labour nosedives, leaving them fighting it out with Nigel Farage for second place.”

The poll also found that on Scottish independence, 52% of Scots said they would vote Yes and 48% would vote No.

Mr Brown continued: “This poll also shows support for independence in the majority – and it’s no wonder given the total failure of this UK Labour Government to deliver for Scots.

“Ahead of the election, the SNP has a clear plan to put Scotland’s energy in Scotland’s hands, and stand up for Scotland’s right to decide on a fresh start with independence.

“That is the positive case the SNP will be taking to Scottish voters ahead of next May – and the early indicators are looking good.”

Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay said: “This shows the growing momentum for the Scottish Greens and our vision of a fairer, greener and independent Scotland.

“People want bold solutions to the cost-of-living crisis and the climate emergency, and it is only the Scottish Greens who are offering them.

“A lot of people are feeling scunnered with Westminster and a Labour Government that offered change but has broken its promises and delivered business as usual.

“More and more people are recognising the difference that Green MSPs make. It is the Scottish Greens who delivered free bus travel for young people, removed peak rail fares, and secured new protections for renters across Scotland.

“With more MSPs we can do even more to support people and families and take the climate action that is badly needed.

“There is a long way to go between now and next May’s election, and a lot of work to do. We will be working for every single vote and to build a better and more hopeful future for Scotland.”

The Ipsos Scotland Political Pulse survey of 1,061 adults was conducted between November 27 and December 3.