2015 'A Year Of SNP Success' with 25 Councillors from 28 By-Elections Since May

Communities Across Scotland Putting Their Trust In The SNP
2015 has been a bumper year for the SNP in local by-elections – as the party celebrates 25 new councillors elected from 28 by-elections contested on and since General Election Day.

New analysis shows that the SNP has achieved swings from each of the parties represented at Holyrood in these by-elections – with a 13.1 per cent swing from Labour, 4.9 per cent from the Tories, 5.9 per cent from the Lib Dems and a 6 per cent swing from the Greens.

Based on results in the same seats in the 2012 local government elections, the SNP vote is up by 12.9 per cent, while Labour’s vote has fallen by 13.3 per cent.

Commenting, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

“2015 has been an exceptional year for the SNP – maintaining strong poll leads ahead of the Scottish Parliament election, winning the Westminster election with an unprecedented share of the vote and winning 25 new councillors of the 28 by-elections contested on and since the General Election.

“These by-elections have saw the election of 25 new local champions for communities across Scotland as people continue to put their trust in the SNP to represent them – and have saw swings to the SNP from every other party represented in the Scottish Parliament.

“These results show that despite a change of leader north and south of the border, people in Scotland are continuing to reject a hopelessly divided, completely ineffective Labour party who aren’t even regarded as a credible party of opposition, never mind a credible party of government.

“These results are further confirmation that after eight years in government people are continuing to place their trust in the SNP and our strong record of delivery and success in government – with the NHS budget at a record high, crime at a 41 year low, free university tuition, 1000 more police on our streets, prescription charges scrapped, free personal care maintained, our target of building 30,000 affordable homes exceeded and the impact of the Bedroom Tax mitigated.

“But there is more work to do and we take absolutely nothing for granted – we will work hard to retain the trust of the Scottish people next year and to secure the re-election of Nicola Sturgeon and an SNP Government with a track record of delivering for Scotland.”

New Poll - SNP Support Grows as Labour Problems Continue

SNP STAND READY TO BUILD ON RECORD OF DELIVERY IN GOVERNMENT
The SNP has today welcomed a new poll by TNS showing that the people of Scotland continue to put their trust in the SNP by a wide margin.

Today’s TNS poll of Scottish Parliament voting intentions puts SNP support on the constituency vote at 58 per cent – up two points on last month and 34 per cent ahead of Labour. On the regional list vote, SNP support stands at 52 per cent, compared to only 25 per cent for Labour.

According to Weber Shandwick’s seat calculator, the SNP would return 77 MSPs – up 8, while Labour would be down four on 33, and the Tories down four on just 11 MSPs.

The poll also shows Nicola Sturgeon is the only leader in Scotland with positive approval ratings – with 44 per cent of respondents saying they ‘like’ her and only 25 per cent saying they didn’t, giving her an approval rating of +19. David Cameron’s approval rating is -47 per cent and Jeremy Corbyn’s is -21 per cent.

In contrast to the First Minister, Labour leader Kezia Dugdale is ‘liked’ by only seven per cent of respondents and has an approval rating of -16 per cent – meaning that she is in the unenviable position of being even less liked than the leader of the Tories in Scotland.

Commenting, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

“This is another very welcome poll showing people in Scotland are continuing to back the SNP’s positive, progressive vision for Scotland’s future – and putting their trust in the party to build on our record of delivery and success in government.

“In our eight years in office, the SNP have been squarely focused on delivering on the issues that matter to the people of Scotland. We have frozen the council tax, protected free university tuition, scrapped prescription charges, protected Free Personal Care, maintained the concessionary travel scheme, increased Scotland’s health budget to record levels, put over 1000 more police on our streets, and protected those hardest hit by unfair Tory welfare cuts.

“This poll shows that despite the best efforts of Kezia Dugdale and Jeremy Corbyn, people in Scotland can see that Labour simply hasn’t changed at all – and isn’t even regarded as a credible party of opposition, never mind a credible party of government.

“This poll is also absolutely disastrous for the Tories in Scotland – fresh from receiving their lowest share of the vote in 150 years in May, this poll shows that the Tory vote looks set to fall even further as people in Scotland continue to reject their regressive, right-wing policies.

“But we of course take absolutely nothing for granted, and will be working hard every day between now and May to ensure that we retain the trust of voters – and secure the re-election of Nicola Sturgeon and an SNP Government to continue delivering for the people of Scotland.”

Trade Union Leader to Address SNP Conference in 'Historic' First

SNP STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH STUC TO FIGHT TORY ATTACKS ON WORKERS’ RIGHTS
The SNP has today announced that the General Secretary of the STUC will address the party’s conference in a historic first – as the SNP and Scotland’s trade union movement ‘stand shoulder to shoulder’ against Tory attacks on workers’ rights.

STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith has been invited to speak during the Conference debate on the UK Government’s Trade Union Bill this Saturday – the first time a representative of the STUC has addressed SNP Conference in the party’s 81 year history.

Mr Smith will speak on the Conference resolution condemning the Tory government’s ‘ideological attack’ against trade unions – which encourages every SNP parliamentarian and member to play their part in the opposition to the Trade Union Bill going through Westminster.

The First Minister has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the STUC to oppose Tory austerity and demand further powers for Scotland and the SNP Trade Union Group now has over 16,000 members.

Commenting, General Secretary of the STUC Grahame Smith said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have this historic opportunity to speak at SNP conference. It has never happened before and demonstrates the very constructive relationship with both the Scottish Government and the SNP as a political party.

“The fact that I am speaking on the debate on the Trade Union Bill demonstrates that a key aspect of that relationship is the Scottish Government’s work to take forward the Fair Work agenda, champion good workplace relations and support the role of trade unions. This is in stark contrast to the approach of the UK Government.”

Welcoming the move, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay said:

“That the STUC will address SNP conference for the first time is a welcome and historic development. This highlights the strong partnership between the SNP and the trade union movement in Scotland as we fight against the regressive actions of the UK government.

“A positive relationship between the SNP and Scotland’s trade unions will be crucial in leading the real opposition to this out of touch Tory government – and the opportunity for the STUC to address SNP conference this week is a further chance to strengthen the bonds of solidarity between the party and Scotland’s trade unions.

“With Scotland’s party of government and our trade union movement united in common cause against the Tories’ Victorian attitude towards trade unions, the strength of feeling in Scotland against the UK Government’s transparent attack on our unions could not be clearer.

“By acting together, the SNP and the trade union movement in Scotland can ensure that the voices of working people are heard more loudly and more clearly than ever before – and it’s about time David Cameron and George Osborne sat up and took notice and abandoned their regressive plans.”

New Poll - SNP Retain Huge Lead over 'Hopelessly Divided' Labour

SNP READY TO BUILD ON STRONG RECORD OF DELIVERY IN GOVERNMENT
The SNP has today welcomed a new poll by TNS showing the party 35 points ahead of a ‘hopelessly divided’ Labour party.

The TNS poll of Scottish Parliament voting intentions puts SNP support at 56 per cent – 35 points ahead of Labour whose support has fallen to 21 per cent.

This latest poll comes off the back of the SNP celebrating six by-election victories last week – with a 5.7 per cent swing from Labour.

Commenting, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

“This is yet another very welcome poll showing that after eight years in government, people in Scotland are continuing to back the SNP’s positive, progressive vision for Scotland’s future – while continuing to reject a divided Labour party who aren’t even regarded as a credible party of opposition, never mind a credible party of government.

“In our eight years in office, the SNP have been squarely focused on delivering on the issues that matter to the people of Scotland. We have frozen the council tax, protected free university tuition, scrapped prescription charges, protected Free Personal Care, maintained the concessionary travel scheme, increased Scotland’s health budget to record levels, put over 1000 more police on our streets, and protected those hardest hit by unfair Tory welfare cuts.

“But we of course take absolutely nothing for granted and will be working hard every day between now and May to ensure that we retain the trust of people in Scotland – and secure the re-election of Nicola Sturgeon and an SNP Government with an unparalleled track record of delivering for Scotland.

“This poll is yet further proof that there has been absolutely no bounce in support for Labour under Jeremy Corbyn and Kezia Dugdale – as their disarray on issues like Trident, tuition fees and their support for George Osborne’s fiscal charter proves to people in Scotland that Labour simply hasn’t changed at all.

“While a hopelessly divided Labour party tears itself apart as their divisions deepen – the SNP is getting on with the job of delivering in government and standing up for Scotland at Westminster – which is exactly why people are continuing to put their trust in us as we approach the Scottish Parliament elections next year.”

SNP Celebrate Double By-Election Success

ABERDEEN BY-ELECTIONS SEE OVER 20% SWING FROM LABOUR TO THE SNP
The SNP has today celebrated two council by-election victories in Aberdeen with a swing of over 20 per cent swing from Labour to the SNP.

In Kincorth / Nigg / Cove councillor Stephen Flynn won with 60.5% and in the Hilton / Woodside / Stockethill councillor Neil Copland won with 54.5% of the vote.

The by-elections were sparked by resignations of former SNP councillors Kirsty Blackman and Callum McCaig, who became the new MPs for Aberdeen North and South at the General Election in May.

Stephen Flynn, the newly elected councillor for Kincorth / Nigg / Cove said:

“I am very pleased to have been elected to represent the people of Kincorth / Nigg / Cove – and I pledge to always put the interests of local people first and to be a strong voice for our community.

“This strong result is also a major boost for the SNP locally in the aftermath of our outstanding results in Aberdeen during the General Election – as more and more local people put their trust in the SNP to represent our communities and be a strong voice for Aberdeen and the North East.”

Newly elected councillor for Hilton / Woodside / Stockethill Neil Copland said:

“I am absolutely delighted to be elected as the SNP councillor for Hilton / Woodside / Stockethill. It is a huge privilege to have the support of the communities here and I pledge to repay their trust by working hard every day to represent them in the coming months and years.

“The last five years of Tory austerity has caused real pain for too many people in Aberdeen and across Scotland – with cuts hitting hard working families hard. I will do everything I can to secure a better future for the people in this area.”

SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay said:

“This is an outstanding double success for the SNP in Aberdeen – and is a vote of confidence in the strong start that the new SNP MPs have made in standing up for Scotland’s interests at Westminster.

“With polls showing strong support for the SNP across the country and growing numbers of people in by-elections putting their trust in the party to represent their communities, it is clear that the SNP is in a very strong position as we approach next year’s Scottish Parliament election – and seek to build on our outstanding record of delivery and success in government.”

SNP Membership Reaches 80,000

MORE SUPPORT FROM TRADITIONAL LABOUR HEARTLANDS PUTS SNP IN STRONG POSITION
Membership of the SNP has hit 80,000 today – as the incredible legacy of democratic engagement from the referendum shows no sign of stopping.

With this growth in membership the SNP is in an extremely strong position to hold the Westminster parties to account on their vow of substantial more powers for Scotland – as by far the third biggest party in the UK as a whole, and with more and more support in traditional Labour heartlands.

The surge in SNP membership comes as the latest poll shows the SNP enjoying a lead over Labour on both Holyrood and Westminster voting intentions – with the party 15 points ahead of Labour in the Scottish Parliament constituency vote.

Commenting, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

“The incredible upsurge in SNP membership shows no signs of stopping – with membership now over 80,000. With the polls showing a 15 point SNP lead for Holyrood – and a lead at Westminster –the SNP are in an incredibly strong position.

“This week has seen many SNP branches meeting for the first time since the referendum – with standing room only in places long considered Labour heartlands like Glasgow, North Lanarkshire and Inverclyde. Johann Lamont and the Labour party’s position in Scotland is growing increasingly precarious.

“With this extraordinary surge in membership it’s clear that it is the SNP which people trust to stand up for Scotland’s best interests – and to hold the Westminster establishment to account on their ‘Vow’ of substantial new powers.

“The referendum unleashed a new spirit of democratic engagement and participation amongst the people of Scotland– and these people simply won’t accept the same old politics as usual from Westminster.

“The No campaign parties now simply must deliver the real powers we need to make Scotland a fairer, more prosperous country for everyone who lives here. Failure to do so would be completely unacceptable.”

SNP Membership Soars To Over 75,000

ALMOST 50,000 NEW MEMBERS JOIN IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS
SNP membership has soared to over 75,000 today – as almost 50,000 new members joined the party in less than two weeks.

The SNP is an incredibly strong position as by far the third largest party in the UK as a whole – overtaking the Lib Dems – and picking up more and more support from traditional Labour heartlands.

The incredible surge in SNP membership follows a Survation poll showing support for the SNP standing at 49 per cent – up on even the 2011 landslide levels – while support for Labour languishes at 33 per cent.

Commenting, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

“The astonishing influx of new members joining the SNP shows no signs of stopping – with membership tripling in less than two weeks – now standing at more than 75,000.

“The strong position of the SNP – standing at 49 per cent in the polls – contrasts starkly with the Westminster parties. We’ve now well overtaken the Lib Dems at UK level - whose membership is 44,000 - and the Tories and Labour are tearing each other apart as their vow to the people of Scotland gets caught up in the infighting between Westminster factions.

“With this extraordinary growth in membership, it is clear that it is the SNP that the people of Scotland trust to hold the Westminster establishment to account on their vow of substantial more powers for Scotland.

“This new democratic movement in Scotland simply won’t accept the same old politics as usual from the No parties – Westminster now simply must deliver the real powers we need to make Scotland a fairer, more prosperous country for everyone who lives here. Failure to do so would be completely unacceptable.”

SNP Membership Surges 20% In Two Days To Over 30,000

The Scottish National Party has seen a spike in membership of almost 5,000 following the referendum on Thursday.

Commenting, SNP Business Convenor Derek McKay said:

"Seeing our membership spike by nearly 5,000 is incredibly encouraging.

"Some will no doubt be coming from Labour - whose traditional heartlands were voting Yes on Thursday - but many will be new to politics, and they will continue the legacy of the referendum, and the amazing level of engagement we saw."

SNP Spring Conference: Scotland Can, Should and Must be Independent

WITH LESS THAN SIX MONTHS TO GO IT’S GAME ON FOR YES
On the eve of the SNP’s spring conference in Aberdeen, the party are highlighting the fact that it is game on in the referendum campaign - with support for YES and NO now extremely close with less than six months to go.

Ahead of the conference, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

“As the SNP gather in Aberdeen for our final conference before September’s referendum, it is game on in the campaign - with support for Yes and No now virtually neck and neck.

“In recent months support for Yes has grown significantly, with the most recent poll finding Yes only needs another 3 points to get to 50 per cent. This is hugely encouraging – as more and more people across the country hear the case for Yes, they are realising that Scotland can, should and must be independent.

“The European elections are just around the corner in May, and a strong team of SNP MEPs and an independent Scotland is the only way to guarantee that Scotland can make its mark. With the latest poll showing the SNP leading in Holyrood, European and Westminster voting intentions, we can be encouraged, but we can’t be complacent.

“The European elections are a fantastic opportunity to stand on the SNP’s positive message of an independent Scotland playing a constructive role at the heart of Europe – in contrast to Westminster threatening isolation through an in/out referendum."

“And with the full powers that a Yes vote in September will bring, we can build a fairer, more prosperous Scotland that is no longer held back by a Westminster system that isn't working."

SNP Conference: Key messages

The slogan for the SNP's 2014 Spring National Conference in Aberdeen is FORWARD - which encompasses both forward with the SNP and forward with independence. The key message will be that Scotland can, should and must be an independent country.

The conference agenda contains resolutions which promote these key messages, including motions on the gains of independence for families and young people, Scotland’s contribution to the international community and the consequences of a No vote for Scotland’s economy. And they will be amplified in the key addresses from Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. There will also be a session with our team of European election candidates.

This important conference will be the last before the European Election on 22 May and the independence referendum on 18 September. Conference also comes in the same week as the 80th anniversary of the SNP’s formation. This will be marked by a motion in the name of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

Opinion polls have shown that over the last five months the momentum in the referendum campaign has been with Yes – with the gap between Yes and No closing by two-thirds since November.

Scotland can be independent

Even David Cameron agrees, saying: “Supporters of independence will always cite examples of small, independent and thriving economies across Europe, such as Finland, Switzerland and Norway. It would be wrong to suggest that Scotland could not be another such successful, independent country” Daily Telegraph, 11th April 2007

As an independent country Scotland would be the 14th richest country among the world’s most developed nations. The UK would be 18th. Even without oil and gas resources, our economic output per head is about the same as the UK's - with oil and gas, it is significantly higher.

Scotland should be independent

Independence is about ensuring decisions are taken here in Scotland, not at Westminster by governments we don't vote for. The Scottish Parliament has shown that decisions making in Scotland works – we have been able to protect the NHS, keep education free, and put more police on the streets.

With a YES we’ll be better off because:

• With responsibility for the economy and taxation, we can design an economic policy that puts Scotland first and makes the most of our many strengths to create jobs and opportunities.
• We can make big savings of £600 million a year because we’ll no longer pay for things like politicians at Westminster or nuclear weapons.
• We can save some of our vast offshore wealth in an oil fund – like the Norwegian fund, which is now worth around £500 billion.
• With control of welfare we can run a fair social security system and abolish measures which hit the poor and disabled like the Bedroom Tax.

And for people in Scotland there are specific big gains too:

• For older people, we will keep the triple lock pension protection, ensuring the value of people’s pensions is protected year on year
• For hard-pressed households, we’ll be able to cut energy bills by £70 on average, deliver cost of living increases in tax credits and ensure fair wages
• For young families, we can deliver a transformational increase in childcare with a near doubling of free nursery education for 3 & 4 year olds and, over time, extended this to every 1 & 2 year old too.

Scotland must be independent

The referendum is a choice between two futures. After the White Paper we have a clear picture of what a Yes vote will mean for Scotland, and we are increasingly seeing the consequences of voting No too. With a No vote we’re guaranteed more governments we reject and more damaging policies like the Bedroom Tax, cuts to Scotland’s budget, and the danger of a UK in/out referendum on Europe.

Biggest ever spring conference

• 1,200 attendees
• 42 exhibitors
• 22 fringe events
• £1m in economic benefit to the Aberdeen economy
• 170 domestic and foreign media
• Three times the number of Observers compared to last spring

SNP Lead up to 16 Points Over Labour - Survation Poll

The Scottish National Party welcomed the party ratings in today's Survation/Daily Record poll, which shows a strong lead for the SNP in Scottish Parliament, European and Westminster election voting intentions.

SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

"This is an excellent poll. After nearly seven years in government, the SNP are still far and away Scotland’s most popular political party, with a lead over Labour of up to 16 points. The SNP lead across Scottish Parliament, European and even Westminster voting intentions.

"The fall in Labour support will undoubtedly set alarm bells ringing there, and raise further questions about Johann Lamont's leadership.

"The European election is a fantastic opportunity to stand on the SNP’s positive message of an independent Scotland playing a constructive role at the heart of Europe – in contrast to Westminster threatening isolation through an in/out referendum."

The Survation poll of 1,002 people in Scotland aged 16+ was conducted between 4-7 April.

Scottish Parliament constituency vote

SNP	44.9%
Labour	32.1%
Con	13.5%
LibDem	5.7%
Other	3.8%

Scottish Parliament list vote

SNP	40.6%
Labour	25.1%
Con	12.2%
LibDem	9.0%
Green	7.3%
UKip	4.0%
Other	1.9%

European election

SNP	39.3%
Labour	29.6%
Con	13.3%
LibDem	5.6%
Green	3.3%
UKip	7.4%

Westminster election

SNP	39.8%
Labour	34.3%
Con	15.1%
LibDem	5.7%
Other	5.2%

Final Poll of 2013 Shows Substantial SNP Lead

"REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT AFTER SIX-AND-A-HALF YEARS INTO GOVERNMENT"

The Scottish National Party today (Hogmanay) published a poll of Scottish Parliament voting intentions, conducted by Panelbase and commissioned by the SNP.

This last poll of 2013 shows the SNP with a substantial 8-point lead in the constituency vote, and a 9-point lead in the regional list vote.

Welcoming these "remarkable" Holyrood ratings, SNP Business Convener 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. Panelbase is a member of the British Polling Council. The results are:

Scottish Parliament constituency vote

SNP:	40.00%
Labour:	32.00%
Conservative:	15.00%
LibDem:	5.00%
Other:	8.00%

Regional List vote

SNP:	40.00%
Labour:	31.00%
Conservative:	14.00%
LibDem:	5.00%
Green:	5.00%
Other:	5.00%

A previous Panelbase poll commissioned by the SNP in August asked:

"Who do you trust to take the best decisions for Scotland: the Scottish Government or the Westminster Government?"

The Scottish Government:	60.00%
The Westminster Government:	16.00%
Neither:	19.00%
Don't Know:	5.00%

Latest Westminster Poll of Polls Shows Backing for SNP

An analysis of the most recent Scottish samples from UK-wide polls conducted by six leading polling companies has shown that the SNP continues to lead when it comes to Westminster voting intentions.

The six polls have a combined Scottish sample of 576 people and were conducted between 7 November and 5 December. The combined surveys of Westminster voting intention put the SNP on 35%, up 15% on the 2010 result, while Labour were down 11% on 31%. The combined poll samples put backing for the Tories on 19% and the LibDems on 7%.

Commenting, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

“This latest analysis of Westminster voting intentions shows that people in Scotland continue to trust the SNP to deliver for them.

“This lead shows that support across Scotland remains strong for key SNP policies such as the council tax freeze, delivering over 1,000 additional police officers who have driven crime down to a 39 year low and the small business bonus that has helped thousands of businesses.

“People in Scotland have given the SNP their backing because of what we have achieved with the limited powers of devolution.

“With the powers of an independent Scotland that only a Yes vote next year can bring, we will be able to do even more to make Scotland the fairer, more prosperous country we know it can be."

The results of the combined samples with changes from the 2010 Westminster election results in brackets were as follows:

SNP	35.00%	(+15%)
Labour	31.00%	(-11%)
Tory	19.00%	(+2%)
LibDem	7.00%	(-12%)
Other	9.00%

Two weeks’ worth of UK polls by six different polling companies.

The polls with fieldwork dates are:

TNS-BMRB - 7-11 November 2013
ICM/Guardian - 8-10 November 2013
Ipsos-MORI - 9-11 November 2013
ComRes/Independent - 22–24 November 2013
Populus - 4-5 December 2013
YouGov/Sun - 4-5 December 2013

Swing of Less than 5% Enough to Put YES Ahead - Poll

SNP HAS MORE SUPPORT THAN 'NO' PARTIES ADDED TOGETHER
Welcoming the Panelbase poll for the Sunday Times Scotland and Real Radio Scotland today on the referendum and party ratings, Scottish National Party Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

“This is an extremely encouraging poll for Yes and for the SNP. With just a single-digit gap between Yes and No, a swing of less than 5 per cent is enough to put independence ahead. There is everything to play for - Yes supporters are more likely to vote than people currently on the No side, which may very well be down to the negative Project Fear campaign failing to motivate even their own supporters.

“For months now, the anti-independence campaign have been talking Scotland down and manufacturing scare stories which even Scottish Tory deputy leader Jackson Carlaw described as ‘silly’. People want to hear a positive message for Scotland’s future, which only Yes are offering.

“The poll is also very positive for the SNP, putting our support for both the constituency and list votes even higher than in our 2011 election landslide, and Labour even lower. After over six years into government, the SNP now has more support than the three anti-independence Westminster parties put together, which demonstrates trust and confidence in the record of delivery of the SNP Government.

“Labour are actually going backwards from their 2011 rout under Johann Lamont’s leadership – and her invisibility during their Falkirk candidate selection crisis may well be a contributory factor."

Poll details- Sunday Times / Real Radio Scotland : Panelbase poll (1,001 sample)
Conducted 17-24 July

Referendum voting intentions:

Yes 37%, No 46%, don't know 17%.

Party Voting intentions:
( with change in support since 2011 Holyrood elections in brackets )

Constituency
SNP 48% ( +3 )
Lab 30% ( -2 )
Con 13% ( -1 )
Lib D 4% ( -4 )
Other 5% (+3)

List
SNP 48% (+4)
Lab 25% (- 1)
Con 13% ( 0)
Green 6% (+2)
Lib D 4% ( -1)
Other 4% (-2)

SNP Welcome Times Poll - Increased Support for Party and for Independence

Welcoming the Ipsos MORI poll in today’s Times newspaper – which puts SNP support at 43 per cent, 3 points up since last October, and support for an independent Scotland up by 4 points to 34 per cent – the Scottish National Party’s Business Convener Derek Mackay said:

“This is an excellent poll – for SNP support to be increasing almost six years into office, and be around the same level which delivered our landslide victory in 2011, is a fantastic achievement by any standard.

“And the increase in support for an independent Scotland – narrowing the gap with No by seven points since last October – is extremely encouraging. We also know from the Social Attitudes survey that the independence option of the Scottish Parliament making all the decisions is the most popular choice for Scotland’s future – and the guaranteed way to achieve more powers for Scotland is to vote Yes in the referendum.

“Since this poll, the Scottish Government have published the detailed report of the Fiscal Commission which shows how we can have a stronger economy with the powers of an independent Scotland. And an independent Scotland will be a fairer Scotland – instead of having cruel cuts such as the ‘Bedroom Tax’ imposed by a Tory-led government that Scotland didn’t vote for. And the UK government’s own legal expert has agreed that the Scottish Government’s timescale for independence is ‘realistic’.

“We are also extremely pleased with the leadership satisfaction ratings – nearly six years as First Minister and Alex Salmond is plus 7, compared to a disastrous minus 40 for David Cameron after less than three years as PM. And Nicola Sturgeon is plus 17 – compared to just plus 1 for the No campaign’s Alistair Darling, which may well reflect his own responsibility for the economic crash and Libor scandal that occurred on his watch as Chancellor in the last Labour government.

© Ipsos MORI 2013

“The political landscape is changing in a way which is boosting the case for a Yes vote – not least as the damaging impact of Westminster's ill-thought out and unfair benefits cuts become sadly clear.

“The compelling case for a Yes vote is that only with independence will Scotland always get the governments we vote for, and we are confident but by no means complacent about achieving success in the referendum."

SNP membership Hits New High - Surging 23% in 2012

PARTY BUCKING TREND OF DECLINING MEMBERSHIP ACROSS UK PARTIES
The SNP’s membership has surged by almost a quarter during 2012, the party announced today.

Up-to-date figures published today by the party find that – at the end of 2012, there are now 24,732 members. This compares to 20,139 at this point last year – a rise of 22.8%.

And – according to a study published earlier this month – the SNP’s booming membership is bucking the trend of decline in the UK-wide ranks of Labour, the Lib Dems and the Tories.

The paper by the House of Commons Library shows that, while membership of all three of the biggest Westminster parties declined significantly between 2003 and 2011, SNP membership more than doubled in the same period – and has further increased in 2012 according to today’s figures.

Between 2003 and 2011, individual party membership of the Tories across the UK declined by at least 31.5%, the Lib Dems fell by 31.0%, and Labour membership declined by 10.2%. Over a longer period, the report shows that Labour membership fell by 52.3% between 1997 and 2011.

Between 2003 and 2011, SNP membership increased by 111.6% - and by a further 22.8% in 2012.

Welcoming today’s figures, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

“Membership of the SNP is booming - more than doubling between 2003 and 2011, and increasing by nearly a quarter in 2012 - which is a fantastic sign ahead of the referendum. More and more people are responding positively to our record in government and our vision of an independent Scotland, and want to play their part in bringing that about.

“Given that over 143,000 people have already signed the Yes declaration, it is clear that the positive case for Scotland's future is building momentum.

"In contrast to the SNP's rising membership, the plummeting figures for the Westminster parties shows just how disillusioned people have become with what they have to offer."

Notes: The House of Commons Library report on UK party membership can be viewed at http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN05125

2012 - Year of Progress

   LOCAL ELECTIONS WON & POLL RATINGS AT RECORD ELECTION-WINNING LEVELS
The SNP has described 2012 as a year of progress that saw the party build on the landslide backing that voters gave the party in the Scottish Parliament election in 2011.

An Ipsos-MORI poll last month revealed that the Scottish Government continues to be popular in delivering for Scotland and working to secure economic recovery, with net satisfaction with the Scottish Government at +15% compared to a rating of -40% for the Westminster Government.

The poll follows the SNP’s victory in the Local Government elections in May – in which the party emerged for the first time in its history in local elections with the most first preference votes and also gained the most seats. Additionally, the SNP was the party with the most number of first preference votes in 16 councils, compared to 14 for Labour.

A super-poll commissioned by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft - which had a Scottish sample of 703 voters - last month gave the SNP a six point lead over Labour on Westminster voting intentions.

Meanwhile, the most recent Holyrood voting intentions poll at the end of October put support for the SNP at 45% for both constituency and regional votes – the same level of constituency support that the party achieved in the 2011 election and one point more than was achieved in the regional vote.

Commenting, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

“The result we achieved in the 2011 Scottish Parliament election was outstanding, as people across Scotland put their trust in the team, record and vision of the SNP Government. And 2012 has been another years of progress for the SNP and for Scotland.

“In May we won the local government elections, emerging as the party with the highest number of councillors in Scotland and the largest share of the vote for the first time. And SNP support in the polls is still at the record levels which delivered success in 2011.

“The latest polling on independence also shows that the referendum is there to be won by Yes - backing for an independent Scotland is strong, and ahead on certain scenarios - and we believe that this support will grow through 2013 as the debate moved from process to substance."

Poll Boost for SNP as Conference Ends

SNP BUILD ON RECORD 2011 ELECTION LEVEL OF SUPPORT
As the SNP’s successful Perth conference draws to a close, the Panelbase poll has revealed that support for the SNP is higher than its support in the 2011 election landslide.

The survey puts support for the SNP at 45% in both the constituency and regional votes - which is the same in the constituency vote as in last year's election landslide, and is a point up in the regional vote.

This follows the figures published in yesterday’s Sunday Times which show that the gap between support for and against independence has been reduced to just eight points.

Commenting, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

“The momentum remains well and truly with the SNP as we continue to show competence in Government, fulfilling our social contract with the people of Scotland in the face of Westminster cuts. The SNP's overall support in this poll is actually up on our 2011 election victory.

“The core message from our conference is that there is now a real threat to the achievements of home rule through the austerity agenda of all of the anti-independence parties, and only a vote for an independent Scotland can protect Scotland’s progress.

“The challenge now is to maintain this momentum and win the argument for independence, because when we win the argument, we will win the referendum.”
 

Constituency		Regional List
SNP	45.00%	45.00%
Labour	33.00%	30.00%
Tories	12.00%	12.00%
LibDem	6.00%	4.00%
Greens	3.00%	6.00%
Other	2.00%	3.00%

SNP Launch Mini Manifesto For Jobs

Click picture above to read manifesto

The SNP has today (Monday) unveiled the second in a series of mini manifestos ahead of the local elections.

The second mini manifesto details how SNP councils, working alongside the Scottish Government, will do their very best to help people into long-term employment.

The latest figures show Scotland has the lowest unemployment and highest employment of any nation in the UK - and the SNP have a team of council candidates standing in every corner of Scotland determined to drive down unemployment further.

At the heart of the plan for jobs is a commitment for councils to work together with each other and with the Scottish Government in order to maximise employment opportunities, whether it is levering in new funding sources to support the construction industry, playing their part in delivering the record 25,000 modern apprenticeships per year, or ensuring all council staff have the security of a no compulsory redundancy policy and a Living Wage.

Unveiling the mini manifesto for jobs, the SNP’s Local Government Campaign Director Derek Mackay, said:

"The next few years are crucial for ensuring our long-term economic recovery. The UK economy is still in a fragile state and we must work together to build for recovery.

"People don't want their local council to spend its time bickering with other councils and with the Scottish government. Instead, every SNP council will be focussed on working to protect jobs and the economy.

"SNP councils will work with the Scottish Government to ensure every 16-19 year old not in work, education or training is offered a learning or training opportunity, as we help them take their first steps into the world of work.

"We’ll extend our no-compulsory redundancy policy to councils, giving thousands of workers job security and giving them confidence to spend to support local jobs and businesses.

"Because the SNP Government has protected councils from the worst of the Westminster spending cuts, we are able to promise to take forward key policies to make life better for families across Scotland."

SNP Launch Mini Manifesto For Families

WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP FAMILY BUDGETS THROUGH TOUGH TIMES

Click picture above to read manifesto

The SNP has unveiled the first in a series of mini manifestos ahead of the local elections.

The first mini manifesto details policies to help families, at a time when their budgets are coming under severe pressure.

Unveiling the first mini manifesto, the SNP’s Local Government Campaign Director Derek Mackay, said:

“One of the key themes of our 2012 campaign is what we will do to help families through times of severe pressure on their budgets.

“SNP councils will work in partnership with the Scottish Government to deliver a number of progressive policies, such as maintaining the council tax freeze, extending the Living Wage to local authorities, and introducing a no compulsory redundancy policy in SNP local authorities.

“Parents also want to know that their local council will work to give their kids the best start possible – that’s why SNP councils will guarantee 600 hours of flexible childcare.

“Finally, SNP councils will work with their local NHS Board to ensure care for our older people continues to improve – joining up services and putting patient care first.

“This positive vision is resonating on the doorsteps and over the next ten days we will continue to show how working together can deliver for families across Scotland."

SNP Campaigning Hard As Local Elections Draw Near

Further to media reports saying that the Centre for Scottish Public Policy predicts the SNP is set to make gains at next month’s council elections, the SNP's Local Government Campaign Director, Derek Mackay, said the party is campaigning hard across Scotland to gain the public's support, is standing a record number of candidates in all council areas, but is taking nothing for granted as polling day approaches.

In the 2007 local council elections the SNP came second with 27.9% of the first preference votes, behind Labour who scored 28.1%.

Mr Mackay said:

"The elections on May 3 are about local jobs and local services - SNP candidates and their teams are working extremely hard and speaking to more people in every community in Scotland than ever before in a local election.

"The SNP enters the campaign with a strong record and a powerful vision for a better, fairer and more prosperous Scotland."