SNP surge to Holyrood poll lead

The SNP tonight welcomed the latest IPSOS Mori opinion poll for Scotland's election published in today's (Wednesday) Times which shows the SNP has overtaken Labour in polling for the Scottish Parliament election.

The poll of 1000 people between the 10th and 13th of February shows the SNP closing the 10 point gap recorded in November by the same polling company with a lead of 37% to Labour's 36%. On the Regional vote the SNP is leading by 35% to 33%. In both the constituency and regional vote the SNP is four points up on the party's election winning performance in 2007.

Commenting on the poll described on the Times front page as "Salmond surges into Holyrood poll lead", SNP Depute Leader and Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

"Today's poll shows there is all to play for in Scotland's election this May. With the SNP moving ahead of Labour and achieving a poll rating four points higher than the election results of 2007.

"As voters look toward Scotland's election in May it is the SNP's strong record in office, our team of recognised and trusted ministers and MSPs, and the vision we have for Scotland's future that is winning the support of voters who want to re-elect a Scottish Government that is working for Scotland.

"In the last week the SNP has delivered on jobs with 25,000 apprenticeships, protected public services with a balanced budget, funded the fourth year of a council tax freeze saving the average household £322, and put in place the money to abolish prescription charges from April this year.

"And it is the SNP that is on the same side as people across Scotland in opposing rising fuel prices with our demand for a fuel stabiliser and the scrapping of the Tories duty rise.

"Over the next 80 days as we head toward's Scotland's election, the SNP will continue to govern for Scotland, to build Scotland's economy, protect our public services, and to stand on our record of delivery and vision for Scotland's future."

The Mori/times poll of 1000 people between 10th and 13th February is as follows:

Constituency Vote
SNP 37%
Labour 36%
Tory 13%
Lib Dem 10%


Regional Vote
SNP 35%
Labour 33%
Tory 13%
Lib Dem 10%
Green 6%